Basic Theology: Sanctification - Sin Nature/Old Man

Sin Nature/Old Man

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Christians are new creatures
2 Corinthians 5:21, For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

The new creation has been freed from sin. 
Romans 6:6-7, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.

The old self put to death when a Christian is put into Christ.

Colossians 3:9-11, Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

But our habits and ways of thinking still present problems. 
Ephesians 4:22-24, that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

We still have our body of sin to reckon with! 
Galatians 5:16-17, I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

As a result, the habits of the old self need to be put aside daily as we learn to act consistently with our new identity in Christ.

No Christian is without sin! 
1 John 2:2, And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

James 3:2, For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

There is a struggle between the flesh and the Spirit inside every Christian.
Galatians 5:17, For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Sometimes Christians lose this struggle and fall into sin. 
Galatians 6:1, Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

If this occurs, other Christians should recognize their own vulnerability to temptation and restore the fallen brother. 
Galatians 6:2-3, 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Christians should not lose heart in this process but continue doing good. 
Galatians 6:9-10, And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

These phases have been described as past, present and future sanctification; initial, progressive and ultimate sanctification.

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