The Christian's Standing And The Flesh
The Word of God tells us that the moment one trusts in the finished work of Christ, he is a child of God, a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). The moment one places his trust in Christ, his standing is secure. Even as the moment a child is born in the family of a king, he becomes a prince; he may not het behave in a princely manner, yet his standing is never in doubt because of his royal birth., In the same way, the Christian's standing in Christ is secure through regal birth. At his new birth, the Christian receives a new nature, a new relationship, and a new power. The new nature enables him to enter fully into his new relationship with Christ. Out of this vital, living relationship comes the strength [and motivation] to live a godly life. Our standing is not based upon a process of improving the flesh. It will never do to take the material of the "old man" and, through fastings, vigils, and religious discipline, attempt to make the corrupt flesh ac...