Human Nature is Defined by Dependence on Grace

Human nature, apart from Christ, is fundamentally flawed and dominated by sin, which positions individuals as slaves to this sin. This state necessitates total reliance on God's grace rather than an arbitrary combination of grace and human works. Current debates, particularly within the New Perspective on Paul discussions regarding justification, inadequately address the essential role of regeneration by the Holy Spirit. This oversight points to a flawed understanding of soteriology, or doctrine of salvation. For instance, theologian Dunn minimizes the significance of the cross, framing it as merely a means of removing sin rather than as an act that appeases divine wrath, which aligns with biblical teachings on the nature of Christ's sacrifice.