The "natural man," the human person, is "beyond remedy" (Jer 17:9). The natural person not only does not, but cannot, accept the Spirit's teaching (1 Cor 2:14). The natural person would not even have the words or terminology to interpret spiritual things. "We speak of these, not in words of human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, thus interpreting spiritual things in spiritual terms" (1 Cor 2:13).

The natural person cannot be sufficiently improved, repaired, or educated. We can't do it with what we've got. The only thing we can do is start all over. Jesus said: "I solemnly assure you, no one can see the reign of God unless he is begotten from above," meaning born again with a new, heavenly nature (Jn 3:3). We are born fallen, born slaves to the evil one. Jesus knocks on the door of our lives (Rv 3:20). If we open up to Jesus through faith, He enters our lives, throws the devil off of or out of us, and gives us a second birth (Lk 4:35).

Through this birth, we are no longer slaves of Satan but children of the Father. Jesus has saved us! Now we can understand and obey the Spirit's teaching. He gives us new words and a new song. We are new, free, fresh, forgiven, cleansed, and loved. We are saved and living in the Spirit. We are supernatural.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 8, 2010

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