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Bible Encyclopedias
Man, New
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
( νέος or καινὸς ανθρωπος ,
I. Biblical Meaning.
There are four Biblical contrasts which must be considered as opposites: (1) the "old man" (
1. The Spiritual Man:
The "spiritual man" is a designation given in opposition to the "carnal man" and to the "natural man" (Romans 8:1-14; 1 Corinthians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 3:1 , 1 Corinthians 3:3 , 1 Corinthians 3:4; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Corinthians 15:46; Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 2:3 ). All three of these terms are personifications of human nature. The "carnal man" is human nature viewed as ruled and dominated by sensual appetites and fleshly desires - as energized by those impulses which have close association with the bodily affections. The "natural man" is human nature ruled and dominated by unsanctified reason - those higher powers of the soul not yet influenced by Divine grace. The "spiritual man" is this same human nature after it has been seized upon and interpenetrated and determined by the Holy Spirit. The word "spiritual" is sometimes used in a poetic and idealistic sense, as when we speak of the spirituality of beauty; sometimes in a metaphysical sense, as when we speak of the spirituality of the soul; but in its prevalent Biblical and evangelical sense it is an adjective with the Holy Spirit as its noun-form. The spiritual life is that life of which the Holy Spirit is the author and preserver; and the "spiritual man" is that nature or character in man which the Holy Spirit originates, preserves, determines, disciplines, sanctifies and glorifies.
2. The Inward Man:
The "inward man" is a designation of human nature viewed as internally and centrally regenerated, as contrasted with the "outward man" (2 Corinthians 4:16; Romans 7:22; Ephesians 3:16 ). See MAN ,
3. The New Man:
The "new man" is an appellation yielded by the contrasted idea of the "old man" (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9; Ephesians 2:15; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10 ). The "old" is "corrupt" and expresses itself in evil "deeds"; the "new" possesses the "image of God" and is marked by "knowledge," "righteousness," and "holiness." There are two Greek words for "new" -
In the New Testament there are 5 different verbs used to express the action put forth in making the "old man" a "new man." (1) In Ephesians 2:10 and Ephesians 4:24 , he is said to be "created" (
II. Theological Meaning.
The "new man" is the converted, regenerated man. The phrase has its significance for the great theological doctrine of regeneration as it expands into the broad work of sanctification. Is the sinner dead? Regeneration is a new life. Is holiness non-existent in him? Regeneration is a new creation. Is he born in sin? Regeneration is a new birth. Is he determined by his fallen, depraved nature? Regeneration is a spiritual determination. Is he the subject of carnal appetites? Regeneration is a holy appetency. Is he thought of as the old sinful man? Regeneration is a new man. Is the sinful mind blind? Regeneration is a new understanding. Is the heart stony? Regeneration is a heart of flesh. Is the conscience seared? Regeneration is a good conscience. Is the will impotent? Regeneration is a new impotentiation. The regenerated man is a man with a new governing disposition - a "new man," an "inward man," a "spiritual man."
(1) The "New Man" - T he Regenerate Man - I s Not a Theological Transubstantiation:
A being whose substance has been supernaturally converted into some other sort of substance.
(2) He Is Not a Scientific Transmutation:
A species of one kind which has been naturally evolved into a species of another kind.
(3) He Is Not a Metaphysical Reconstruction:
Being with a new mental equipment.
(4) He Is an Evangelical Convert:
An "old man" with a new regnant moral disposition, an "outward man" with a new inward fons et origo of moral life; a "natural man" with a new renovated spiritual heart. See MAN ,
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Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Man, New'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​isb/​m/man-new.html. 1915.