The very reason no one solely in his flesh is able or lack the ability to submit to God's Law and please Him (romans 8:7) is the same reason no one solely in his flesh is able to or lack the ability to submit to the Gospel's command as to repent and believe (colossians 1:21) - for man born of the flesh remains hostile to God and His Word according to his nature to which he was born.
By nature, mankind is born children of wrath or deserving of wrath as sons of disobedience (ephesians 2:3). Mankind born with a sinful nature is by default hostile to God; in regards to both the Father and the Son. This hostility goes back to Adam after the fall - for what is born of flesh is flesh OR rather that which is born of the flesh is sinful flesh (john 3:6). Mind you, Adam was created; formed from the dust of the earth. Adam was not born of a woman. However, after Adams fall from grace or favor; his offspring after him was born with an INTERNAL sinful nature being enslaved to obey only sin & fleshly sinful desires (romans 6:6, romans 6:12-14, romans 7:25, ephesians 2:3). Furthermore, The Father not only sent His Son for sin on behalf of man but also sent His Son in the likeness of "sinful flesh" (romans 8:3) as to condemn the power of sin through the flesh of man (romans 8:3) so that the righteous requirement of the Law (perfect obedience) might be fulfilled in us for those who walk after the Spirit and not the flesh. The 'flesh' in and of itself attributes to no spiritual gain as it relates to the things of God. This is why Jesus told the Jews that it is the Spirit that gives life or 'makes alive' because the 'flesh' is no help at all or is incapable in aiding the sinner in anything that is spiritual or that comes from God who is Spirit as in comprehending and receiving the things that come from Him (john 6:63). Life must be granted by way of regeneration prior to anyone coming and believing in the Son. The flesh in and of itself is spiritually weak and lacks divine power (romans 5:6, matthew 26:41, mark 14:38, romans 7:6, romans 8:3, romans 6:6) as to not only understand God but to obey Him as well.
The 'natural man' as in born solely according to the flesh hates both; the Father and the Son (john 15:23-24). Mind you, this hatred and "hostility" for both the Father and the Son is in regard for ALL unbelievers; those who have not and continually refuse to believe in the one (Jesus) whom the Father has sent. This hostility is only removed based upon a new nature by way of regeneration (romans 2:29 and colossians 2:13). Remembering, it is the Law of God which should precede the proclamation of the Gospel (1 timothy 1:8-11). Sinful man is in need of hearing the Law requirements in order to be made aware of their sin and inability to keep it in it's entirety (romans 7:7 and james 2:10); in a potential preparation for their ears and heart to be made ready as to make room to hear the good news of Jesus Christ (romans 10:14) as to be saved. Unfortunately, sinful man is unable to submit to both; the command of the Law or the Gospel. Reason being, sinful man possesses an innate inability according to the flesh (romans 8:7) to submit to and obey God according to His Word; which in return allows God to extend mercy and grace to whomever He wills (romans 9:18) as to rescue the sinner from his enslavement to sin; in order that no man may boast before Him as to attribute anything towards their own salvation apart from an initial work of God by His Spirit (1 corinthians 1:29-31) for His own glory. God has imprisoned all (romans 11:30-32); both Jew and Greek under the power and control of sin - in order that He may have saving mercy on ALL. That is, ALL of His Elect; those of whom He has called out from among both groups (romans 9:24) unto Himself as vessels of mercy prepared beforehand for glory (romans 9:23).
Instead of hostility or hatred towards God; a true genuine love for God by any sinner must be initially brought about by a miraculous inner working of the Spirit of God upon the heart of man by way of spiritual circumcision freeing the sinner from the stubbornness of his old heart so as for him to now happily obey God in gratitude (deuteronomy 30:6, romans 2:5, 29) for if he now indeed obeys God and keep His commandments, it will surely demonstrate that he truly loves Him from the heart (john 14:15, romans 6:17). My friend, without God's initial work of circumcision (prior to faith) upon the sinners heart - man's stubbornness, hostility, and hatred for God will remain as an unbeliever.
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever - ROMANS 11:34-36.
https://youtu.be/oGKMzGOJDLg
By Aaron Fisher
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