1 Corinthians 2:11 even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God
1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
What being has the ability to learn and reason those things pertaining to humans, besides the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of man? Likewise, the ability to learn and reason those things pertaining to God is not possible by the spirit of man, but is only possible through the Holy Spirit which is of God.
Paul establishes that the natural man does not have the ability to perceive anything that concerns or relates to God. This fact is true regardless of whether the person is regenerate or not. Let me clarify that by saying that a man that is regenerate has two natures, one natural and one spiritual. The natural carnal nature, which all men have prior to regeneration remains, although it has been loosed. This loosing makes way for the Holy Spirit to bring the new spiritual nature to life. Without this loosening described by Paul in Romans 6:6, the spiritual nature cannot co-exist within the human body. (See Luke 5:36-39 Mark 2:21-22 Matthew 9:16-17) Therefore, spiritual discernment is only possible after regeneration, when the natural man has been loosed and after the Holy Spirit has entered in bringing the spiritual nature to life. Once the spiritual nature is present, the person has the capacity to discern the spiritual things of God through the Holy Spirit, such as the kingdom of God. Furthermore, Jesus taught that unless a man is born a second time, that is being born of the Spirit through gospel conversion, he does not possess this ability, thus rendering the teaching that every human being has this ability to be false.
For further study see also:
John 3:3 Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 2:14 neither can he know them
Thank you for taking the time to read this study. I hope you found this study to be a blessing, and that it has in some way increased your knowledge of our Lord and Savior. If you have questions, or would like to leave a comment, please do not hesitate to do so.
You may also email questions to barry@baptistcommentary.com
Grace to you,
Barry Laminack
Topical References: 1 Corinthians, Belief, Children of God, Conversion, Dead In Christ, Holy Spirit/Ghost, Kingdom of Heaven, Mans inacapacity and inability, New Testament, Pauline Theology, Prayer, Regeneration, Scripture Comment, Spiritual Life & Death, Two Natures |
