What is your interpretation of 1 Cor 2:14 & John 14:17?
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
My interpretation of this verse is that the natural man CANNOT recieve the spiritual Gifts of God. God must change the person in order for them to receive His Gifts. The changing is actually part of the Gift.
Ezekiel 36:24-27
24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.
25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
This is what God does/ is doing in order for a person to receive to His Gifts. Which is Salvation.
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
I think John 14:17 is essentially saying the same thing as in 1 Corinthians 2:14.