When our spirit is Born Again by the Spirit of God in
salvation, we are set free from the Law of Sin and Death (Romans
8:2). Jesus won this victory for us on Calvary’s cross. We are a new
creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus died to sin once and for
us all. He bore the penalty of our sin and gave us His righteousness in its
place (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 6:10). Our spirit is alive to God in
Christ and our soul – our thoughts, choices and emotions - is now free from sin
(1
Peter 6:11; Romans 6:7).
Our old carnal, human nature is dead and our new, spiritual
nature resides in its place (Romans 8:2). We no longer struggle with the
sin and depravity that used to plague our life. Paul records his struggle with
coming to this conclusion in Romans chapter seven. Then, Paul triumphantly
records the culmination of his struggle in the conclusion that the Law of the
Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus sets us free from the Law of Sin and Death (Romans
8:2; John 8:36).
Satan wants us to believe that we have to struggle with our
flesh and go through a long, drawn out crucifixion process. Satan wants to keep
us occupied with the struggle Paul describes in Romans chapter seven. However,
when we realize the completed work, which Paul clarifies for us in Romans 8:2,
we are no longer centered on the temporal, earthly aspects of life. We come to
realize just how comprehensive Christ’s work on the cross really is (Philippians
2:12-13).
We focus instead on the eternal, Heavenly aspects of
everlasting life, which is ours both now in this life and in eternity. We no
longer live in selfishness, pride and rebellion, but we completely surrender to
the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our life. Our carnal nature is totally dead by
our faith in Christ, and is replaced by the fruit of God’s Spirit. We no longer
reap the negative consequences of a carnal lifestyle, because we enjoy the
eternal advantages of a life complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).
Prayer:
Father God, I see as Paul did that there is no need to pray
for more love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, meekness,
self-control and faith, because they are all part of Your nature, which resides
within us from the moment of our salvation. We really are a totally new
creation with all the attributes of Your triune Being living within us (1
Thessalonians 5:23; Colossians 1:19). Our carnality is now dead, and
our life is completely hidden with Christ in You (Colossian 3:3).
Thought for the Day:
Jesus Christ really is our whole life. - Colossian 3:4
