A Biblical Perspective on Death and LifeSample

Being spiritually alive means being dead to sin

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

When you come to faith, you receive eternal life. Jesus Christ comes to dwell in you with His Holy Spirit and renews your heart. This also means that there is no more room for sin and evil desires. The Bible calls that “the lustful desires of the flesh” or “our old self” that must be overcome. All that sinfulness must be put to death to make room for the new life dedicated to God's glory. Paul summarizes this as follows, “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11)

Death and life. Dying and being renewed. These are two aspects of conversion that are both necessary. These words show how radically we must change in order to receive eternal life with the Lord God. A little improvement here and there is not sufficient. When God comes to dwell in our hearts, all darkness must disappear completely.

Believers are repeatedly called to break with the sins in which they used to live. But they do not have to do this in their own strength. This process happens “by the Spirit” (Romans 8:13).

Are you willing to allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart, even if it means that your desires or habits change?