The Natural Man's Resistance to God in Scripture

The natural man's resistance to God is a pervasive theme in Scripture, as it speaks to the fundamental nature of humanity's relationship with its Creator. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "we know that for those who love God all things work together for good," but this is not the default state of humanity. Rather, the natural man is characterized by a profound resistance to God, stemming from the Fall and the resultant corruption of human nature. This resistance is not merely a matter of ignorance or lack of understanding, but a willful and active opposition to God's sovereignty and authority.

The natural man's resistance to God is rooted in his sinful nature, which is hostile to God and opposed to His law. This is evident in Scripture's description of the natural man as being "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1-3), and as being "by nature children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:3). The natural man's resistance to God is not something that can be overcome through human effort or ingenuity, but rather requires the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit to awaken the sinner to his need for salvation.

The gospel speaks directly to this resistance, offering a message of redemption and reconciliation that is able to overcome even the most hardened of hearts. Through the power of the gospel, the natural man's resistance to God can be broken, and he can be transformed into a new creation, alive to God and conformed to the image of Christ. This is a testament to the boundless grace and mercy of God, who is able to overcome even the most deeply entrenched resistance to Himself, and to bring light and life to those who were once dead in sin.