By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
The article discusses Thomas Boston’s views on the inescapability of sin, emphasizing that it is inherent in human nature, even among the grace-receiving faithful. Sin follows individuals like a shadow, deeply rooted within. Our temptations arise from internal desires, highlighting the necessity of recognizing human corruption and the need for divine grace.
Thomas Boston wrote a powerful portion in his book Human Nature in its Fourfold State on how we cannot escape our sin. It is embedded in our nature. Even of those who have received grace, the grace of Jesus is mixed with our original sin nature. Boston said,
“They find it present with them at all times, and in all places, even in the most retired corners. If a man has a troublesome neighbor, he may move; if he has an ill servant, he may put him away at the term; if a bad companion, he may sometimes leave the house, and be free from molestation that way. But should the saint go into a wilderness, or set up his tent on some remote rock in the sea, where never foot of man, beast, or fowl had touched, there his corrupt heart will be with him. Should he be with Paul, caught up to the third heavens, it will come back with him, 2 Cor. 12:7.”
Continuing with Boston:
“It follows him as the shadow does the body; it makes a blot in the fairest line he can draw. It is like the fig-tree on the wall, which however nearly it was cut—yet still grew, until the wall was thrown down—for the roots of it are fixed in the heart, while the saint is in the world, as with bands of iron and brass.” (–end Boston)
James 1:14 says, each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. That’s inside us, our desires. That’s not outside. That’s something in us. The word ‘desires’ in this verse is not a positive word. It doesn’t mean for example, we desire salvation for our loved ones. It doesn’t mean ‘we desire more grace’. The word is a negative, it means a longing or craving for unrighteousness, evil desires, lusts.
As a pagan, all we can do is crave unrighteousness (Genesis 6:5). As a saved believer, we still have that craving in us, but now we have the Holy Spirit to resist those desires. Do we realize what a treasure that is for us?
Thomas Boston here muses, I cannot but think, that one grand design of that sacred history, was to discover the corruption of man’s nature, the absolute need of the Messiah, and his grace.
Grace! Cultivate righteous desires. Desire more grace!
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