Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Paul makes it clear that those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the flesh, and to set the mind on the flesh is death. In addition, they are hostile to God, do not submit to God’s law, and indeed cannot please God. Here, in verse 13, this principle is repeated yet again. Paul has made it very clear that if you live according to the flesh you are not in Christ and you are under the condemnation of God. There is no wiggle room to claim Christ but live according to the flesh. However, if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. A redeemed person is enabled and encouraged by the Holy Spirit to respond to this divine grace and willingly participates in his own sanctification. This does not mean anything close to perfection, but it does mean a direction toward being conformed to Christ.
Focus on Christ #96
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3 comments:
"A redeemed person is enabled and encouraged by the Holy Spirit to respond to this divine grace and willingly participates in his own sanctification. This does not mean anything close to perfection, but it does mean a direction toward being conformed to Christ."
EXCELLENT!!! I'm glad you left no room for caricatures of our position here.
Mark,
Yes, the extreme free grace camp simply cannot admit that it is God's power that brings about sanctification and not human decision. They are consistent with their Arminian roots which gives all the power to human free will and leaves God to be a mere spectator in justification and sanctification.
"...and leaves God to be a mere spectator in justification and sanctification."
WOW! Well said! Great observation.
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