CERTAIN AND POSITIVE KNOWLEDGE. A spiritual understanding and comprehension which must be present in everyone who would serve the Lord. The old man, the man of sin, the carnal nature is crucified with Christ. This is an imperative for all who would find the Christ life dwelling within. Rom. 6:6 The old nature, that natural man, with all of his carnal actions must be dealt with in a proper manner. The conduct of the former man must be thrown aside for his thoughts, actions and mannerism are vile and follow a pattern of fleshly lusts. Eph. 4:22 We have discarded that former nature with all his works of unrighteousness. In exchange, the new man is now in the process of being formed in us. There is a constant and progressive work of grace being revealed in His body, the church. This spiritual growth is accomplished by our knowledge of the Lord Jesus. As we study the Word and respond to it, we note that we are being made more and more like unto the Lord. His nature and character are being developed in us. Col. 3:10
THE BODY OF SIN IS TO BE DEALT WITH. Repeatedly, the thought of being rid or free from the binding elements of the flesh are presented to us. Old Testament circumcision becomes a type of the effect of water baptism and is likened to a circumcision that is performed without hands. Baptism becomes a means whereby the body of sin, the natural man is discarded. Freedom from the old life lived in the flesh is accomplished. Col. 2:11 The old habits of sin are binding, even overwhelming. Therefore, the Lord has provided a way for full and complete deliverance. The body of sin is to be cast aside freeing us from the slavery of sin. Rom. 6:6 The scriptures are not prompting us to disregard our physical bodies but, through the help of the Spirit of the Lord, to live a life in the Spirit. There is only death, eternal death associated with the fleshly, carnal man. If we live according to the dictates of the flesh, there is death. To crucify, to put to death, to lay aside in water baptism, the works of the carnal, sinful man opens the door to true life in Christ. Rom. 8:13 It becomes a matter of < mind set >. Dependent on that what demands our attention and affections. We are encouraged to set your affections on things which are spiritual, heavenly and everlasting, and not on the temporal things of this earth. The reason being that we have died to the lust of the old man and now enjoy the new life that is in Christ Jesus. Col. 3:2-3 There is a vast domain to be acquired through living a Christian life, in the Spirit. Christianity, as it is today, is being robbed of the mighty presence of the Lord which is available to us. The commitment that produces the mighty manifestation and power of the Lord is not being made by the church, as a whole. Christ has called us to live His life here on this earth. Crucified with Him, means He lives within us. While we live in a natural body, we live in the strength and glory of our faith in the Son of God. Therefore, His life has become ours. Gal. 2:20
MASTERY OVER SIN. Absolute victory in triumphing over sin is the right and prerogative of every true child of God. It is not necessary, it is not the will of the Lord that we sin every day in word, thought or deed. Every member of the body of Christ is destined, not only to conquer but to exceed in its ability to overcome. The ability to be triumphant is not of ourselves, but is the manifestation of the power of His love in us. Rom. 8:37 To persist in wrong doing is to deny the power and capability of the Lord to keep, to preserve His people from sin, and from falling. Once again we have the assurance that He is able to present us, as His Bride, before His throne, faultless. There is no limitation to His proficiency in accomplishing in His church that which is His goal. Jude 24