The rhetorical function of this verse it to explain the “unless” introduced in the previous verse. Why should there be an unless? Why should there be a difference between infants and men? The explanation returns to the condition that includes both the infants and the men. Both are subject to the Fall, and therefore both are natural. Recall that in verse 16 natural is used as co-equivalent with fallen. Both infants and men are fallen. Here Benjamin specifically notes the “natural man”. In verse 16 the infant was fallen, yet saved. In verse 19, men are fallen (natural) and condemned. Why?
The natural man is condemned through the fall and through his ability to sin (an ability which is assumed to be exercised). In the state of the ability to sin, the natural or fallen man does sin. Because they make the willful decision to sin, as opposed to the infants who cannot make such decisions. Those men are enemies to God. Once again, we must remember Benjamin’s preaching against those who willfully rebel against God – a good definition of an enemy. Thus Benjamin is consistent in his application of his theme. Those who choose to follow the “evil spirit” or those who choose to sin, are enemies to God. Once again, however, there is an unless.
For Benjamin, the unless is couched in the language of transformation: “unless [italics added] he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things”. The language Benjamin uses is very descriptive, and instructive.
First, while we are “natural man” because of the fall, we are not left alone. The Holy Spirit entices us. The choice to follow God is not one of choosing something distasteful, but rather one of recognizing the joyous taste of the gospel, and choosing to acquire it. Next, to yield to those enticings requires that we put off the natural man, and become a saint. We are required to change our natures from enemy to God to saintly follower of God. We are to transform from natural man to “saintly” child. Benjamin then describes the particular attributes of the “child” we are to become.
When we remember that the ancient world made no distinction between religion and politics, the qualifications of the child as submissive take on an extra overtone. Certainly we, as modern men, must also become meek, humble, and submissive, but in the context of Benjamin’s times and contentions, the admonition to submission must be seen as having the added connotation of supporting the new people, the new government, and rejecting any lingering sensibilities with the old religion.