“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with HIM [Jesus] in order that THE BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED, that from now on we should not serve sin. For he who died has been justified from sin. But if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that when Christ was raised from the dead, He dies no more; death no longer has dominion over Him. For in that He died, He died to sin once; but in that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise COUNT YOURSELVES ALSO TO BE TRULY DEAD TO SIN, but alive to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 6:6-11)
This experience comes by sanctification after we are saved, God begins to lead us into a life of holiness which comes about by being set free from sin, being sanctified. “…may the God of peace Himself 1sanctify you, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blamelessly at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. 5:23) 1hagiazō: to separate, consecrate; cleanse, purify, make holy.
Wow, being sanctified makes us dead to sin, which simply means sin no longer has power over us. Can we still be tempted? Yes, so what do we do when we are tempted?
James 4:7-8, says:
- SUBMIT yourselves, then, to God.
- RESIST the devil, and he will flee from you.
- COME NEAR to God and
- HE WILL COME NEAR TO YOU…
-Bill Stockham