Reply:
“By
nature” (phusis) may refer to physical law by which the
universe functions (Rom. 11:2l, 24); and by extension of this,
mean “reality” or “actually” (Gal. 4:8, Cf. 1 Cor.
10:20). The term is also used to indicate the “pattern” of
conduct or conceptions that, either instinctively or by long
usage, become a part of us — of our “nature” (Rom. 2:14; 1
Cor. 11:14).
The
passage certainly does not say we inherited sin from
Adam. In Rom. 1:26-27 “nature” is on God’s side, so to
speak; and sin is against nature. In Rom. 2:14 the Gentiles did
“by nature” things of the law of God.
Eph.
2:1-f. says the Ephesians were dead through “your” sins (not
Adams), wherein “you” walked (or lived) “according to the
course of this world” in the spirit (of the devil) that now
works in the sons of disobedience. It is clear by context that
“by nature children of wrath” means they conformed to the
generally accepted Ungodly and worldly standards.
Dear
bro. Turner:
Did
Jesus take the Nazarite vows, and is this what is meant by “sect
of the Nazarenes”?
Reply:
Matt.
2:23 says Jesus “dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it
might be fulfilled... he was called a Nazarene.” This clearly
states
