Thanks for the comments, and for taking the time to read my post. You brought up some good points, and I appreciate your perspective. Here are just a few thoughts/verses for you by way of response:

- The words “heart” (877 usages) and “nature” (12 usages) are not the same in Scripture. The heart is often called vile, wicked, deceptive, etc. Our nature never is. Our nature demands righteousness (Rom. 2:14), and sin is said to be against nature (Rom. 1:26).
- I do not dispute the fact that the heart is evil, nor that it gives rise to sinful actions as Jesus said in Matthew. I simply maintain that we do not BEGIN life with an evil heart, but that it is darkened as a result of our choice to sin. (Eccl. 7:29, Rom. 1:21)
- The word “lust” is not always synonymous with sin in Scripture. (Deut. 12:15, 20)
- Christ was tempted in ALL points “…like as we are.” (Heb. 4:15) Hence, the basis for Christ’s temptation is the same as the basis for ours: simple, physical, God-given appetites. (Jas. 1:14-15)

A man breathes air without choice. It is his nature. A man feels hunger without choice. It is his nature. But a man steals food BY choice. This is evil, and contrary to nature.

I’ll be sure to say hi to Evan when he gets here. We’re looking forward to seeing him again!

God bless,
Josh

I would just say two things about this post. Jesus teaches that sin arises from man’s nature or heart in Matt 15:19. Also I think you seek to prove a bit too much with your quote from James. As John Wesley comments on this verse, “Like gives birth to like.” James may be saying that lust is sin in the mind which gives birth to sin in physical action. We need to look no further than Jesus to see that lust is indeed sinful in itself. Matt 5:28

Just some friendly thoughts thrown your way, late at night.

God bless.