Failure of the Natural Man

October 30th, 2026
by Lance Waldie

1 Corinthians 2:14-16 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Verse 14 is pivotal to understanding why some reject Christ after a cogent presentation of the gospel, the message of the cross. It is because all who reject that message are “natural,” bereft of the Spirit. For they refuse to trust in Christ who died and rose for them. Some English translations, rightfully, simplify “natural man” with “unbelievers.” The term clearly refers to mankind in his natural, physical existence—a spiritually dead (cf. Eph. 2:1-5) and thus sinful person without the Holy Spirit. They are thus incapable of understanding anything spiritual.

Note three traits of the “natural man” in v. 14. Firstly, he does not “accept the things of the Spirit of God.” This is in stark contrast to those in v. 12 who do accept the things of God. In failing to accept, they reject. In this case, unbelievers, either willingly or indifferently, reject the truth of the gospel. Secondly, the natural man sees the things of God as “foolishness” (mōria). Salvation from sin, God’s wrath, prayer, Bible study, corporate worship, etc. are viewed as moronic by those without the Spirit of God. They tend to ridicule Christians who speak of God as if they know Him personally. Thirdly, the natural man “cannot understand,” for he simply cannot comprehend the teachings of God. Why? “Because they are spiritually appraised.” The term “appraised” (anakrinō) was a common word among the Corinthians, meaning “unable to make appropriate judgments.” So, those who are spiritually appraised are those who are unable to make appropriate judgments about God, His workings, and His plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. In sum, the things of God cannot be understood by the natural man, the unbeliever.

Verse 15 presents another stark contrast between those who do not know God through His Son Jesus Christ, and those who do. Those who do “appraise all things” but are “appraised by no man.” Simply put, those with the Holy Spirit understand God’s ways in reference to the salvation of their souls and the general workings of God as revealed in Scripture. It does not mean, as some falsely assume, that they know everything. Obviously, Christians do not know everything! But, with the Holy Spirit indwelling them (Rom. 8:9-11), they have the ability to judge every spiritual matter because they possess the wisdom of God through the Spirit of God. Therefore, these believers cannot be judged accurately by those “natural men” who do not possess the Spirit of God. They are judged by no one, specifically no one of the world. They are certainly judged outwardly by the world, but such judgment is inconsequential (cf. 1 Cor. 4:1ff.).

Verse 16 is a quote from Isaiah 40:13, and the rhetorical question deserves one response: no one! For no one knows God’s mind fully, and no one can judge God for anything. But, Paul continues, saints do have the “mind of Christ” who is God in flesh. What Paul means is that saints have Christ’s thoughts as revealed by the Holy Spirit. God has revealed Himself in His Son, and His words are accurately recorded in Scripture. Those with the Spirit therefore can fully understand what God has clearly given in His Word. They thus have the “mind of Christ.”

Food For Thought
Christians are admonished to share Christ with everyone. It is God who saves, but it is our responsibility to share the gospel. Don’t get too down on those who refuse to convert to Christ however. The key to understanding is held by God alone. Their lack of understanding means that they do not have the key to unlock the box, as it were. All we can do is share the gospel, live out our obedience to God, and pray that He will save the lost. In the end, His plan will be done.