The true interpretation is that by flesh is meant the nature of man, as it is corrupted by the fall of Adam and propagated from him to us in that corrupt state by natural generation; and to be in the flesh is to be in a natural state, as to be in the Spirit is to be in a new state, by the Spirit of Christ dwelling in us (Rom. 8:9)…The corrupt nature is called ‘flesh,’ because it is received by carnal generation; and the new nature is called spirit, because it is received by spiritual generation. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6).
-Walter Marshall, The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification, Chapter 5, Kindle Loc. 977-81 (Get a free copy for Kindle HERE).
Marshall goes on to describe the properties of ‘the flesh’:
- One thing belonging to our natural state is the guilt of sin, even of Adam’s first sin, and of the sinful depravation of our nature, and of all our own actual transgressions, and therefore we are by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:3) under the curse of God…
- Another property…is an evil conscience, which denounces the wrath of God against us for sin, and inclines us to abhor Him as our enemy, rather than to love Him…or, if it is a blind conscience, it hardens us more in our sins.
- A third property is an evil inclination, tending only to sin, which therefore is called ‘sin that dwells in us,’ and ‘the law of sin in our members,’ that powerfully subdues and captivates us to the service of sin (Rom. 7:20,23)…
- A fourth property is subjection to the power of the devil who is the god of this world, that has blinded the minds of all that do not believe (2 Cor. 4:4), and will certainly conquerall whom he fights with on his own dunghill, that is, in a natural state.
Marshall understands ‘flesh’ (in relation to salvation) to be the sinful nature of man. The sinful nature involves the guilt and power of original sin, total depravity (inability to do what is pleasing to God in our own strength), sinful actions, a marred conscience, continual and powerful inclination to sin, and subjection to the influence and power of Satan. To the degree that these things are being subdued and weakened, we are putting the sinful nature to death.
I would add here that Marshall will go on to argue that it is through gospel means that we put sin to death. Once we have believed the gospel and trusted in Christ as the means of doing away with the guilt of sin and our marred consciences, from there we will trust in him to work in us to subdue sin’s power and sway in daily experience.
This is a bit tangental.
I was struck nearer the end of the chapter (pg70 in the book), where Walter Marshall quotes Ecclesiastes 7:29 in the King James. It says “Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.” The word choice of “inventions” is what struck me, as it is a word commonly used in the modern world, but typically in a different context.
A modern would typically translate this portion of Eccl. differently. Infact, in modernized translations we find instead of the word inventions, “schemes” (ESV, NIV), “devices” (NASB), “downward path” (NLT), “alternatives” (ISV), “evil schemes” (NET Bible), and more.
Upon first inspection today, most people wouldn’t consider an “invention” to be an “evil scheme” or “downward path.” Infact, usually the term “invention” has very positive connotations today in the world of technology. While it is certainly true that an invention can have a positive impact, Solomon tells us that via the act of “inventing” man has sought to create paths for himself outside of God’s given path. Inventions have THAT potential as well, and we would do well to remember it. Inventions can be a conduit of redemption or of destruction.
That is a great insight. Keep sharing!