Theological Term of the Week: Concupiscence

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concupiscence

Disordered inclinations or illicit desires. In the historic protestant view, acts that arise from illicit desires and the illicit desires themselves (concupiscence) are both sins for which people incur guilt.

• From scripture::

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. [6] On account of these the wrath of God is coming. (Collosians 3:5-6 ESV)

• From the Second London Baptist Confession, 1689 :

Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof

5. The corruption of nature, during this life, does remain in those that are regenerated; and although it be through Christ pardoned and mortified, yet both itself, and the first motions thereof, are truly and properly sin.

Learn more:

1. Got Questions: What is the meaning of concupiscence in the Bible?
2. Jared Kennedy: Concupiscence. It’s Not Just About Sex.
3. Kevin DeYoung: Hamartiology, Concupiscence, Temptation, and Suffering (video)

 Related terms:

• fall (of man)
• original sin
• sin
• total depravity

Filed under Anthropology

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