A NEW MAN

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Paul, in his letter to the Colossians presented a dramatic word picture of the contrast between the old man, the old life and the new, which is found in the Lord Jesus. He based his message on the experience of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ being carried out, through the Spirit, in the life of the individual. Col. 3:1 In order to have been risen with Christ, we first must have died with Him. Not after a literal manner but through the working of the Spirit of the Lord in his life Paul could say I am crucified with Christ. Yet he was very much alive and living by the faith of the Son of God. Gal. 2:20 To be baptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is to participate with Him in His burial and His resurrection. Water baptism is not a ritual, it is a spiritual experience. Rom.6:4 The New Man, having followed the Lord Jesus in these blessed steps of commitment to Him, will now walk in that glorious newness of life. Col. 2:12.

The relationship which the Lord Jesus seeks with those whom He loves is one of absolute, full participation with Him in all of His fullness. The New Man is therefore “quickened together” with Him. That relates to living His life, in perfect accord and unison with Him. We are His body, bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh. When, by the Spirit we are brought to new life in Christ we are to become perfectly joined with Him. Col. 2:13.

There is a magnificent rapport available between Christ and His church which, either is not understood or is completely ignored. Once, after having laid a proper foundation of the principles of the doctrine of Christ, we are urged to go on to perfection. Heb. 6:1 Being one with Christ who has raised us up together with Himself affords the honor, the joy of sitting together with Him, in heavenly places. Eph. 2:6 Notice in particular that Paul stated that He “made us” not a future act but for today. Therefore, if we are indeed joined to Him, we will know the atmosphere of heaven. The powerful presence of the Lord being revealed in our lives.

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