Definition of Human Nature

Definition of Human Nature. The short answer to the definition of human nature is it is the sum of qualities and traits shared by all humans. From a Christian perspective the definition of human nature centers around man's free will (choice) and his relationship to God.

Our human nature originated with God making man in His image to include giving mankind the freedom to choose [(Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.")(Romans 6:16, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?")].

Free will that is part of our human nature led to Adam's original sin and his sin nature being passed down through the generations of man (Genesis 3:6, "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat").

Thanks to Jesus Christ our human nature does not need to stay under a curse and corrupted by sin with the ultimate result of death [(John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life") (Jeremiah 31:29, "In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge")]. By our faith in Jesus as our Savior and following the Holy Spirit in us, our human nature can be set aside for God's plan and can stay in relationship with God.