Hi Michael, How do you read into these passages that we have fallen natures? If that is the case then scripture contradicts itself. God did not create us with a sin nature.
Franklin, I completely agree that God did not create man with a sinful nature. However, His creation was marred when the serpent (Satan) tempted Eve and she tempted Adam. The act of sinning gave man the knowledge of good and evil, twisting the original design God created. God even says that man now knows the difference between good and evil.
James is saying we are drawn away by our own lustful desires.
What else is our sinful desires but our sinful nature? If we were not sinful in nature, why would we be drawn to sin?
Read Js1:14-15 again. If that was the case james would have wrote: we are drawn away and entised by the sinful desires that God gave us.... Do you see that anywhere in scripture? That's the false doctrine of original sin that we've all been taught and mislead about.
I do not believe God gives us evil desires. What I DO believe is that God made us with free wills. If He had not, then we would be nothing but automatons mindlessly serving our God. If that were the case, we would never have fallen. Logically, in order for man to sin at all, God could not have made us completely perfect with no possibility for to sin. If He didn't do that for the angels, why would He do it for us?
My question to you Michael is, who was Paul speaking TO? If your reading these passages with 21st century eyes it sounds like Paul is speaking to US two thousand years future just like the futurists have been teaching with their dispensationalist views. Paul was preparing the first century saints to be able to stand against satan and forces of darkness and satan knew his days were numbered.
Read the Olivet Discourse. Then listen to Dr. R.C Sproul, a noted theologian and pastor. He believes, as do I, that the Olivet Discourse is referring to the fall of the Jewish Age, not the return of Christ. Also, if Jesus has returned, where does the millenium fall into play? It has been more than 1000 years since the fall of Jerusalem.
Man today doesn't need any outside help from satan or anyone else to commit sin, our hearts are beyond evil just like it says in Jer17.... I used to believe satan was a real person until I learned how to let scripture speak for itself. I learned this method from researching preterism and it's teaching. It's the only consistant answer to all fulfilled scripture and prophecy.
Who was the serpent in the garden? If the serpent was not Satan, then why would God create a creature to tempt His own creation? That would contradict James 1:13. Who tempted Jesus in the desert? Who was Jesus speaking of when He told the Pharisees and Saducees that their father was the devil? Who prompted Judas to act (John 13:2)? Who was Paul speaking of in 2 Timothy 2:26? Who was the author of Hebrews speaking of in Hebrews 2:14, the very verse you quoted earlier? Do you discount the scriptures?
Scripture speaks loud and clear, Franklin. Satan is real. You can argue the point as to whether or not he is being held back now or will be later, or whatever you want, but if you claim Satan is not real, you contradict the scripture.