It would seem to me that all of the scriptures must fit together in agreement, and we should not ignore any of them, but try to see the harmony of them. I am having trouble understanding how the unregenerate natural man, as described in 1 Cor 2:14, can truly repent of breaking a spiritual law that he cannot discern, and even thinks it to be foolishness. Can you explain this for me?
1 Cor 2:14-16
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.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
KJV
Well, here's how I would explain the passage: As you say, all of the scriptures need to be believed to be God's Word And there are no contradictions in the scriptures. So when they at times look as though they contradict one another - it has to mean that we just don't presently understand them or their correlation with others. Bible wording can be confusing at times. But it helps a lot to compare scriptures when studying Bible subjects. And of course, to pray for God's help in interpretation of the scriptures.
Clearly, the Bible shows that unbelievers are capable of coming to repentance and making the choice to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior, in response to the Spirit's proddings. So we know it can't mean they are entirely incapable of understanding the scriptures. It is reasonable, to see that they won't be as well able to understand them as compared to after they get saved. The big difference, I believe - is one's heart - one's will - what one chooses - God gives us all the ability to make choices in life. I believe the gospel becomes increasingly understandable according to how sincerely and urgently a person seeks after God.
Jer 29:13
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
KJV
Comment: Below, you see how those who reject God, by doing so - are kept blind to the gospel.
2 Thess 2:8-12
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
KJV
Below, you see how Jesus reveals Himself only to those that God approves of:
Matt 11:27
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
KJV
Also, in order to be teachable enough to receive the gospel to the extent of getting saved - one needs to be willing to be that teachable. Below, that willingness to be taught of God, is described as "becoming like children."
Matt 18:3-4
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
KJV