Concupiscence is a theological term that refers to the inclination or tendency of human nature toward sin. Derived from the Latin word concupiscentia, meaning “strong desire” or “lust,” concupiscence is often associated with the disordered desires and passions that arise from the fallen state of humanity. In Christian theology, concupiscence is considered a result of original sin and is seen as a fundamental aspect of the human condition that leads to sinful actions.
The concept of concupiscence has been the subject of significant theological discussion and debate, particularly in the context of the doctrines of original sin, human nature, and sanctification.
Biblical Foundations of Concupiscence
The Fall and Original Sin
The foundation for the concept of concupiscence is rooted in the biblical narrative of the Fall, as described in Genesis 3. According to the Bible, Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God by eating the forbidden fruit brought sin and death into the world, resulting in the corruption of human nature.
Genesis 3:6-7
| “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.”
| —Genesis 3:6-7 (NIV)
This passage highlights the role of desire in the Fall. Eve’s desire for the forbidden fruit is portrayed as the catalyst for disobedience, leading to the entry of sin into the human experience.
The Doctrine of Original Sin
The doctrine of original sin, which is closely linked to the concept of concupiscence, teaches that all human beings inherit a sinful nature as a result of Adam’s transgression. This sinful nature is characterized by an inclination toward sin, which is understood as concupiscence.
Romans 5:12
| “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”
| —Romans 5:12 (NIV)
In this verse, Paul explains that sin entered the world through Adam, and as a result, all people are born with a propensity to sin. This inherited tendency is what Christian theology identifies as concupiscence.
The Inner Struggle with Sin
The Apostle Paul also describes the inner struggle with sin that characterizes the Christian life, a struggle that is often associated with concupiscence.
Romans 7:18-20
| “For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.”
| —Romans 7:18-20 (NIV)
This passage reflects the tension between the desire to do good and the pull of sinful inclinations, which is at the heart of the concept of concupiscence. Paul acknowledges that even after conversion, believers continue to experience this inner conflict.
Historical Development of the Doctrine of Concupiscence
Augustine of Hippo
The concept of concupiscence was significantly developed by Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD), one of the most influential theologians in the early Church. Augustine’s teachings on original sin and human nature laid the groundwork for the understanding of concupiscence in Western Christian theology.
Augustine’s View of Concupiscence
Augustine taught that concupiscence is a result of original sin and that it represents the disordered desires and appetites that arise from humanity’s fallen nature. He argued that concupiscence affects every aspect of human life, inclining people toward sin even when they desire to do good.
In Augustine’s view, concupiscence is not sin itself, but it is the source of sinful actions. He described it as a kind of “infection” or “wound” in human nature that corrupts the will and makes it difficult for people to choose the good.
Augustine’s understanding of concupiscence was closely linked to his doctrine of original sin. He believed that all human beings are born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam, and that this nature is characterized by concupiscence. However, Augustine also emphasized the role of divine grace in overcoming concupiscence and living a life of holiness.
The Medieval Scholastic Tradition
The doctrine of concupiscence was further developed during the medieval period, particularly within the scholastic tradition. Theologians such as Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) expanded on Augustine’s ideas, offering more detailed explanations of the nature of concupiscence and its role in the Christian life.
Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas, one of the most influential medieval theologians, integrated Augustine’s teachings on concupiscence into his broader theological system. Aquinas agreed with Augustine that concupiscence is a result of original sin and that it inclines people toward sinful actions. However, Aquinas made a distinction between “actual sin” (sinful actions) and “original sin” (the sinful condition), with concupiscence being part of the latter.
Aquinas also emphasized the importance of reason and the will in resisting concupiscence. He taught that while concupiscence inclines people toward sin, it does not compel them to sin. Through the use of reason and the assistance of divine grace, individuals can resist the pull of concupiscence and choose to live virtuously.
The Reformation and Post-Reformation Views
The Protestant Reformation brought significant changes to the understanding of concupiscence, particularly in the context of debates over original sin, human nature, and justification.
Martin Luther
Martin Luther, the seminal figure of the Reformation, shared Augustine’s view of concupiscence as a result of original sin. However, Luther’s understanding of concupiscence was more pessimistic. He believed that concupiscence was not just an inclination toward sin but was itself sinful. In Luther’s view, concupiscence remained even in the regenerate (those who had been justified by faith) and was an ongoing source of struggle in the Christian life.
Luther’s emphasis on the persistence of concupiscence led him to stress the importance of justification by faith alone. He argued that believers are simultaneously justified and sinful (simul justus et peccator), living in a state of grace while still wrestling with the reality of concupiscence.
John Calvin
John Calvin, another key Reformer, also viewed concupiscence as a manifestation of original sin. Like Luther, Calvin believed that concupiscence remained in believers even after conversion and was a source of ongoing struggle. However, Calvin emphasized the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming concupiscence and enabling believers to grow in holiness.
Calvin’s doctrine of sanctification stressed the role of the Spirit in progressively subduing the effects of concupiscence, leading believers to live increasingly godly lives. While concupiscence was seen as an enduring aspect of human nature, Calvin believed that it could be gradually overcome through the work of the Spirit.
Theological and Philosophical Implications
The Nature of Human Desire
The concept of concupiscence raises important questions about the nature of human desire and its relationship to sin. In Christian theology, desires themselves are not inherently sinful; rather, it is the disordered nature of desire in the fallen human condition that leads to sin.
Concupiscence is often understood as a distortion of natural desires, where legitimate needs and appetites become twisted or exaggerated, leading to sinful behaviors. For example, the desire for food is natural, but gluttony represents a disordered expression of that desire. Similarly, sexual desire is a natural part of human life, but lust represents a disordered and sinful expression of that desire.
The challenge for Christians is to recognize and resist the disordered desires of concupiscence while cultivating a healthy and godly expression of natural desires. This process involves the ongoing work of sanctification, where the Holy Spirit transforms and redirects human desires toward what is good and holy.
The Role of Grace and Sanctification
Concupiscence also has significant implications for the doctrine of sanctification, the process by which believers are progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ. In Christian theology, sanctification involves both the mortification (putting to death) of sinful desires and the cultivation of virtues that reflect the character of God.
The persistence of concupiscence in the life of the believer highlights the need for divine grace in the process of sanctification. While human effort is involved in resisting sinful desires, it is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit that enables believers to overcome concupiscence and grow in holiness.
Paul speaks to this dynamic in Philippians 2:12-13:
| “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
| —Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)
This passage reflects the interplay between human responsibility and divine grace in the process of sanctification. Believers are called to actively resist concupiscence while relying on God’s grace to transform their desires and actions.
The Struggle with Sin in the Christian Life
The concept of concupiscence also speaks to the ongoing struggle with sin that characterizes the Christian life. Even after conversion, believers continue to experience the pull of sinful desires, reflecting the reality of concupiscence.
This struggle is not a sign of failure or lack of faith but is an expected part of the Christian journey. The presence of concupiscence reminds believers of their need for continual dependence on God’s grace and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Paul’s description of his own struggle with sin in Romans 7:21-25 offers encouragement to believers who face the challenges of concupiscence:
| “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
| —Romans 7:21-25 (NIV)
Paul’s words reflect the tension between the desire to do good and the reality of concupiscence, but they also point to the hope of deliverance through Jesus Christ.
Relevance for Today’s Christian
The doctrine of concupiscence remains highly relevant for contemporary Christians, as it speaks to the realities of temptation, sin, and the need for ongoing spiritual growth.
Understanding the Nature of Temptation
For today’s Christians, the concept of concupiscence provides a framework for understanding the nature of temptation and the internal struggles that accompany the Christian life. Recognizing that concupiscence is a part of the human condition helps believers to be vigilant in resisting temptation and to seek God’s help in overcoming sinful desires.
Cultivating Virtue and Holiness
Concupiscence also underscores the importance of cultivating virtue and holiness in the Christian life. While concupiscence inclines people toward sin, the process of sanctification involves the intentional pursuit of godly character and the development of habits that align with God’s will.
Christians are called to “put to death” the sinful desires that arise from concupiscence and to “put on” the virtues that reflect the character of Christ (Colossians 3:5-14). This process requires both human effort and reliance on the grace of God.
Embracing Grace and Humility
Finally, the doctrine of concupiscence encourages believers to embrace grace and humility in their walk with God. The presence of concupiscence serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for God’s grace in the Christian life. It calls believers to humility, recognizing their own weakness and dependence on God for strength and transformation.
Conclusion: Connection to God’s Love and Jesus Christ
The concept of concupiscence, while rooted in the reality of human sinfulness, ultimately points to the transformative power of God’s love and grace through Jesus Christ. While concupiscence inclines human beings toward sin, the gospel offers the hope of redemption and the promise of new life in Christ.
In Romans 8:1-2, Paul proclaims the victory that believers have in Christ:
| “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
| —Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)
This passage reminds Christians that, despite the ongoing struggle with concupiscence, they are no longer under condemnation. Through the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are set free from the power of sin and are empowered to live in the freedom of God’s grace.
The doctrine of concupiscence calls Christians to a life of ongoing repentance, faith, and dependence on God’s grace. It points to the reality that, while the struggle with sin continues, the ultimate victory has been won through Jesus Christ. Believers are invited to live in the light of this victory, growing in holiness and reflecting the love of God in their lives.