THE SINFUL NATURE: YOU WERE BORN A SINNER

YOU ARE BORN A SINNER

 “….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).  "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh…” (John 3:6 KJV). “….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling Holy Spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

“...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin (nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…For all have sinned (all have the flesh nature)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…all have ... come short of the glory of God (all are born WITHOUT the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

                                            *

         The main thing to GLEAM from this blog is that the SINFUL NATURE is CRUCIFIED and DEAD! God’s people do not need to kill, or subdue, or MORTIFY the SINFUL NATURE by TRYING to DO things such as denying self or disciplining the self.

          You MORTIFY the SINFUL NATURE and its DEEDS through the indwelling Holy Spirit, by faith or by trusting in and depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower YOU to walk in and LIVE in deliverance and freedom.

          The bible does say to mortify the “DEEDS’ of the body of flesh or sinful nature. “... For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through THE SPIRIT do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live...” (Romans 8:24 KJV). “...For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the POWER OF THE SPIRIT you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live...” (Roman 8:24 NLT). “... Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry...” (Colossians 3:5 KJV). “...So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world...” (Colossians 3:5 NLT). HOW?

          First, by trusting and believing the SINFUL is DEAD! The SINFUL NATURE and its dictates is dead and crucified. “...We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin...” (Romans 6:6 NLT).  “... My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 NLT).

“..they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts...” (Galatians 5:24 KJV). “...Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there...” (Galatians 5:24 NLT).

To CRUCIFY someone means to literally put them to death by NAILING them to a cross, in a similar manner as the old, ancient practice for capital punishment. The SINFUL NATURE and ALL its dictates is CRUCIFIED (dead) with Christ and were NAILED to the CROSS, which “FREED” you forever!

Second, recognizing (understanding and becoming aware of God’s truth) the SINFUL NATURE “NO LONGER” has ANY control over you! “…you are not (no longer) controlled by your sinful nature. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “...you have no obligation (anymore) to do what your sinful nature urges you to do…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “... ye ...[are]... FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).“…Because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death (spiritual death) …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit....” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

Third, have faith by trusting in and depending upon the truth and the revelation knowledge that YOU are a NEW CREATION because “JESUS” freed you. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN (through the SINFUL NATURE)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (the WORD OF GOD)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “… the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit)…shall make you FREE...” (John 8:36 KJV). “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

Fourth, not only did JESUS “FREE” you, make  you into a new creation, but JESUS dwells “IN” you! “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His [WORD]... “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “….THE WORDS ... they are SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…the [holy] ... Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…[The WORD is] ... in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV).“... What? know ye not that your body  (YOUR EARTHEN VESSEL) is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…Know ye not that ye are the temple (EARTHERN VESSEL) of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…Know ye not your own selves …that Jesus Christ is in you …” (2 Corinthians KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  

Fifth, because, you are FREE, a NEW CREATION, and Jesus DWELLS within, YOU CAN “WALK” and “LIVE” free from the sinful nature through the empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). ^“…Christ liveth in [you]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…. if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “….OLD THINGS (life without the indwelling Holy Spirit) are passed…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... It is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in [you, through the indwelling Holy Spirit]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

Sixth, the indwelling Holy Spirit empowers and strengthens you to MORTIFY the deeds of the sinful nature. “...if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live...” (Romans 8:24 KJV). “...if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live...” (Roman 8:24 NLT).“I can do all things through Christ...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  He will “…strengthened [you]… with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He strengthens you]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [YOU]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… God  … work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS within YOU]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “….Apart from [the indwelling spirit],.. [you]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Sixth, the REDEEMED, have ALL THEY NEED, to mortify the “DEEDS” of the sinful nature. When they willfully and voluntarily CHOOSE to follow the indwelling Holy Spirit, they will be empowered to mortify the deeds of the dead and crucified sinful nature and LIVE righteous and holy. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…So I say, let (CHOOSE to LET) the Holy Spirit (IF you have the indwelling Holy Spirit) guide your lives ...the [ indwelling Holy] Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Finally, when the indwelling Holy Spirit is guiding your life there are two things you will willfully CHOOSE to do: TRANSFORM your mind and RESIST the devil. “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).  “...Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, AND he WILL flee from you...” (James 4:7 KJV). “...RESIST him (the evil one), standing firm in the faith ( in your trust in and dependency upon God)...” (1 Peter 5:9 NIV). “...do not give the devil an opportunity...” (Ephesians 4:27 NASB).

JESUS CHRIST not ONLY “SETS” you FREE, but TRAINS you to WALK and LIVE FREE through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV). “…Christ ….loved the church, and GAVE himself for it; That he might SANCTIFY and CLEANSE it, with the washing of water by the word (of god)….” (Ephesians 5:25-25 KJV). “… The God of peace Himself SANCTIFY  (cleanse) you ENTIRELY…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB). “...God has chosen you from the beginning for SALVATION through SANCTIFICATION (cleansing power) by the Spirit and faith in the truth…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB “….ye are SANCTIFIED (cleaned) …in the name of the Lord Jesus (the Word), and by the SPIRIT of our GOD…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV).

 ^“…Christ liveth in [you]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “...all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “I can do all things through Christ...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Apart from [the indwelling spirit],.. [you]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“...if ye through the...[indwelling holy]... Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live...” (Romans 8:24 KJV). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).  “...Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, AND he WILL flee from you...” (James 4:7 KJV).

By resisting the devil and  transforming the mind, with the Word of God, mortifying the deeds of the sinful nature will come through the process of sanctification! “…the will of God (his heart’s desire, his choice, what he wants, etc.), [is]…your SANCTIFICATION …” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NASB).  “ ... in the PROCESS of TIME “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). “…Christ ….loved the church, and GAVE himself for it; That he might SANCTIFY and CLEANSE it, with the washing of water by the word (of god)….” (Ephesians 5:25-25 KJV). “… The God of peace Himself SANCTIFY  (cleanse) you ENTIRELY…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB). “...God has chosen you from the beginning for SALVATION through SANCTIFICATION (cleansing power) by the ...[indwelling holy]... Spirit and faith (trust & dependency) in the truth…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB “….ye are SANCTIFIED (cleaned) …in the name of the Lord Jesus (the Word), and by the..[indwelling holy]... SPIRIT of our GOD…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV).

It is important to note that the REDEEMED, according to the bible, is COMPLETELY FREE from the imprisoning power of the sinful nature. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN (through the SINFUL NATURE)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (the WORD OF GOD)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “… the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit)…shall make you FREE...” (John 8:36 KJV). “Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). What is the PROBLEM THEN?

The SINFUL NATURE is crucified, but it left its influence, or evil thoughts within the untransformed heart and mind. The untransformed mind was so conditioned by the SINFUL NATURE and its dictates that the redeemed willfully and voluntarily allow their behaviors to be directed toward sin.

 On the other hand, the indwelling Holy Spirit, through the transformed mind, wants to influence, the redeemed, by strengthening and sanctifying them, from the old mindset. WALKING and LIVING in FREEDOM comes from renewal of the mind through the WORD of God, which will strengthen and empower them to direct their behavior toward righteousness.“…The sinful nature (flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants. And the [Holy] Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature (flesh) desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“... Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT).

In addition, the SINFUL NATURE that desires to do evil or the indwelling Spirit that desires to do righteous - will influence, the redeemed, through the information within the heart which informs the MIND and directs behavior. “…The sinful nature (flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants ...These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions...” (Galatians 5 NLT)

 If the mind is NOT transformed, the sinful nature, which is crucified, will CONTINUE to DICTATE behavior, and make it IMPOSSIBLE to overcome EVIL THOUGHTS or to LIVE FREE from the affects of SIN. “... the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey  ... and it never will...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT). “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [the redeemed can]... do nothing [they cannot be TRANSFORMED]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

We are told: “… [The body of the REDEEMED becomes]... the temple of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) which is in [them]…” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “ …The Spirit of God dwelleth in [the REDEEMED]…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).    

Yet the bible also says: “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (through the WORD)….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).  How are the redeemed NEW CREATIONS and yet have the SAME MIND?

First God RESTORES the SOUL to spiritual LIFE. “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to (or restores) SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD (the WORD of God) is perfect, restoring the SOUL…” (Psalm 19 NASB). “….He (the WORD OF GOD) restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…I (God, the holy spirit) will restore…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).  “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man (woman) became a living soul... [again] …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

The sin nature was NOT originally created sinful. It was created as a body of flesh, or the human, earthen vessel, or that part of mankind that was made from the dust of the ground.  “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

The body or flesh, human vessel, or that part made from the dust of the ground was originally included in God’s compliment that everything he CREATED was GOOD. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

God is GOOD and nothing else is GOOD, but him. In addition, one of the fruit of his Holy Spirit is goodness. “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…there is  none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, GOODness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot be GOOD]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“...I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

If anything, upon earth is GOOD, it is because his Holy Spirit is UPON it or a PART of it! “…[god, the holy spirit]... is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV). “..The lord... [God] ... is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). “...there is “NONE” good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).

God’s GOODNESS is a WITNESS to his DIVINE nature and “NOT” mankind’s nature. “…The invisible [SPIRIT]…from the creation of the world is … [his] eternal power… [and his]....divine nature…[which are]...clearly seen (witnessed), (HOW is his power and nature witnessed?).... being understood (being made aware of or manifested) (HOW are they understood or manifested?)... by the things that are MADE (his created goodnesses) …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

“...there is “NONE” good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…” (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “…GOOD and upright is the Lord…” (Psalm 25:8 KJV). “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 KJV). “…[God, the invisible Holy Spirit is]... GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “...there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…All he DOES (God, the Holy Spirit DOES) is just and GOOD….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT).

“…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (this was good), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (this was good); and man (woman) became a living soul (this was good)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

“…[God, the invisible Holy Spirit is]... GOOD …” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…All he DOES (God, the Holy Spirit DOES) is just and GOOD….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT). 

God's GOODNESS is "NEVER' draped or disguised in hypocrisy, deceit, pride, manipulations, or for personal gain; his GOODNESS is "ALWAYS" about HIS desire to PROVIDE a loving and true benefit to those he cares for. 

“…And the LORD God formed (shaped, molded, etc.) man [of] the dust of the ground (this was good)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made (including the BODY or FLESH from the dust of the ground)……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

However, the BODY or FLESH was created TOGETHER with the SPIRIT and SOUL. The BODY, SPIRIT, and SOUL, together, according to God, was VERY GOOD. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (this was good), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (this was good); and man became a living soul (this was good)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw everything he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

What made the CREATION of mankind GOOD was because God, the Holy Spirit was a PART of the BODY and SOUL.  “…And the LORD God  ... breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (his Holy Spirit) (this was good)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…[God is]... GOOD …” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is ... GOODness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot be GOOD]…” (John 15:5 NIV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

The flesh nature of mankind was created, initially, GOOD, because of the “breathe of life” or the indwelling Holy Spirit. “… [God, the Holy Spirit is]... GOOD …” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). The “breathe of life” IS SPIRIT. God “IS” SPIRIT. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). SPIRIT became the mystic and immaterial part of mankind that made him and her good. Mankind was GIVEN a portion of God’s SPIRIT, which made mankind a “LIVING SOUL. “…And the LORD God  ... breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (this was good); and man became a living soul (this was good)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“…and man became a living soul (this was good)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). Mankind was MOLDED and SHAPED from the dust of the ground and GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT breathed INTO the nostrils of HIS creation, and it was THEN "that" creation became a “LIVING SOUL”

“…man (woman) became a living soul …” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “LIVING” refers to spiritual LIFE (the breathe of life). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “...The Spirit GIVES life...” (John 6:63 NIV). “...He is ... God (the Holy Spirit IS THE ONE) who made the world and everything in it ...He himself gives life (spiritual life) and breath (existence) to everything...” (Acts 17:24-25 NLT). “...[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of  it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

SOUL refers to the immaterial part of mankind. When the SPIRIT and SOUL were UNITED mankind became a LIVING SOUL.  LIVING = God and SOUL = man. “…And the LORD God  ... breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (he breathed into the nostrils of the lifeless body, God made from the dust of the ground); and [THEN]...man (woman) became a living soul (became a SPIRITUAL existence)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

However, the body made from the dust of the ground, APART from the SPIRIT is DEAD and can no longer do GOOD. “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).“...I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Without God, the Holy Spirit, the body no longer houses a LIVING SOUL. WHY? “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “...The Spirit GIVES life...” (John 6:63 NIV). “...He is ... God (the Holy Spirit IS THE ONE) who made the world and everything in it ...He himself gives life (spiritual life) and breath (existence) to everything...” (Acts 17:24-25 NLT). “... [God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of  it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

What made the CREATION of mankind “LIVING” and GOOD was because God, the Holy Spirit was a PART of the BODY and SOUL.  “…And the LORD God  ... breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (his Holy Spirit) (this was good)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “...The Spirit GIVES life...” (John 6:63 NIV). “…[God is]... GOOD …” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is ... GOODness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot be GOOD]…” (John 15:5 NIV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

NOW,“...I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

WHAT HAPPENED?

God, the Holy Spirit, GAVE mankind (Adam and Eve) one HOLY instruction:  “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou  SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

BUT“…The woman [became] ... convinced [to eat from the tree, anyway]... She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

“….She [CHOOSE to take] ... some of the fruit and [eat] ... IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

“….God saw everything he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). Adam and Eve destroyed MUCH GOOD. “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “…through one man SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to “all” men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).  NOW “…All have sinned and fallen SHORT of the GLORY of God…” (Romans 3:23).

“….She [CHOOSE to take] ... some of the fruit and [eat] ... IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

“…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT).

“.... At that moment their eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  At that moment, they transgressed the holy law and “…[their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God (the breath of life, the Holy Spirit, GOODNESS)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ...cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

A willful, voluntarily decision to ignore God’s holy instruction cut them OFF from God, the Holy Spirit or SEPARATED them from the breathe of life. “…It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ...cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

Adam and Eve, who were FREE from sin, at the time, also had human will and decided, on their OWN volition, to ACT against God’s WORD. “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

They freely CHOSE to do the opposite of what God’s Word instructed them to do. Choices have consequences and God fully disclosed to them what those consequences will be if they CHOSE “NOT” to listen to his Word. “... THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

“…[They became] ... DEAD in trespasses and sin…” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). Their souls became dead souls, trapped within the prison of the body, made from the dust of the ground, because God’s Holy Spirit is not present. Sinners are “…DEAD “IN” trespasses and sin (within the sin nature)...” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV).

Dead souls are“…separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV). BECAUSE, “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “...I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Remember, “…[The redeemed]... were dead in [their] sins[too] and ... [NOW]…God made [them]... ALIVE with Christ. He forgave [them]… all [their]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). God “….made [the redeemed]… ALIVE with Christ …when [they]… were DEAD in transgressions…” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV). Like the prodigal son, “… [they were]…. DEAD and [have been made]… ALIVE AGAIN; [the redeemed were]… lost and [have been]… found…” (Luke 15:24 NIV).

SIN, the rejecting of God’s HOLY instructions, separated mankind from God, the Holy Spirit or the breathe of life. “…[Their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

Three things happened when Adam and Eve ate the apple:  1. “… [Their] … iniquities (transgressions) …separated [them]… from God (the breath of LIFE)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). 2. “…[They became] ... DEAD in trespasses and sin (souls trapped within the sinful nature)…” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). 3. Spiritual death was also the removal of the SPIRIT OF GOODNESS from mankind, which was produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit and left the SOUL in slavery to the body of flesh which became the sinful nature.

How do you KNOW it is the SOUL (your being or existence) that is trapped in slavery to the sinful nature? Because the bible tells us Jesus RESTORES the SOUL. God, through the GIFT of Salvation restores the DEAD soul from the bondage or slavery to SIN, “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the SOUL…” (Psalm 19 NASB). “IN” Christ your DEAD soul has been restored and made “ALIVE AGAIN.” (Luke 15:24 NIV).

HOW? “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “……God made you ALIVE with Christ. He forgave [you]… all [your]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). “…he that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit… [with God again]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…. old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... and man ...[becomes]... a living soul (AGAIN)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

Spiritually DEAD souls are slaves to the sinful nature. “…The sin of my SOUL…” (Micah 6:7 KJV). “...I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

The spiritually DEAD soul is heavily affected by carnality. “….When you follow the desires (influences) of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life WILL NOT inherit the Kingdom of God. …” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

Adam and Eve ONCE had a body, Spirit, and soul but the Spirit separated. “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (HIS Spirit or spiritual LIFE); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

“….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). They were originally created in God’s “image”, which is SPIRIT. “…God is not human (he is not a body, the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you (dwelt in Adam and Eve)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

From that time, until NOW, everyone, born into the world, is born without the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…All have sinned (are born with a sin nature only) and fallen short of the glory of God (born without the indwelling holy spirit)…” (Romans 3:23). “….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling holy spirit)….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

NOW everyone is born with ONLY a sin nature. Everyone will eventually become a SLAVE to sin, and they cannot, on their own, be restored to WHOLENESS or REUNITED with God, the Holy Spirit, without an act of God’s LOVING GRACE.

The sinful nature ONLY knows how to SIN. Sins are the symptoms of “that” nature. “….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).  “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin (nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…the wages of sin (the symptoms of that nature, which are transgressiona against God’s holy law) is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…For all have sinned (all have this nature)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…all have ... come short of the glory of God (all are born WITHOUT the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).