That Is It!

"That's it!" "I'm done!" "I'm finished!" "I'm through!" "Enough of that!" "That's the end!" Though those may sound like the words of failure -- statements of a "quitter" -- they can actually be the WORDS OF VICTORY! When we have had enough of something, we try to distance ourselves from it. We don't want to be around it any more. We don't even want to see it. When that is the focus in relation to the life once lived outside of Christ, that is the way it ought to be! On the other hand, if this is not part of our diligent focus, it is far too easy to fall back into the practices of the old self.

In Paul's letter to the church at Colossae, he exhorted. . .
"(2) Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (3) FOR YOU HAVE DIED, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." ( Colossians 3:2-3 ESV)

In coming into a proper relationship with Christ, we have what? WE HAVE DIED! This was something Paul also addressed in relation to baptism in his letter to the church at Rome. (note Romans 6:3-4 & 9-11) As Paul expressed it in the Colossian letter, the word "DIED" is in the Greek aorist tense implying "HAVE DIED ONCE FOR ALL!" We are to be done with -- finished, through, having had enough of -- the old self. It is not to be resurrected! There is to be no more life there! The life is to be gone from it! It is to be COMPLETELY DEAD and buried so as to have no power in our life anymore; no longer able to hamper our living the new life safely and securely "hidden with Christ in God."

Associated with this change of life there must remain a change in thinking. Lord willing we will consider that further tomorrow in light of the character of our mind. For today, let us remember what we have DIED TO ONCE FOR ALL as we seek the Lord's help in that remaining buried in the past! May the old life be completely ended as we firmly and steadfastly embrace NEW LIFE IN CHRIST for now and eternity!

Have a great day OVER THE PAST AND PRESSING ON IN CHRIST!
Carl

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