What is Mortification?

Another theological term which might confuse beginning Christians is mortification. In brief, it means killing fleshly desires.

We are attracted to sinful things through our old nature but we were set free from its mastery through Christ's death. The Apostle Paul knew this very well and warned those set free from sin's bondage to control their old cravings. As he wrote plainly in Colossians 3:5 (BBE) "Then put to death your bodies which are of the earth; wrong use of the flesh, unclean things, passion, evil desires and envy, which is the worship of strange gods;"

This sounds like strong language, and it is, but sin always leads to death. As Paul pointed out in Romans 8:13 (BBE), "says, For if you go in the way of the flesh, death will come on you; but if by the Spirit you put to death the works of the body, you will have life."

And since we are bought from our slavery to sin by such a great sacrifice, why go back to doing those things which only lead us to death? As 1 John 2:16 (KJV) points out, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

If that isn't enough, read 1 Peter 2:9 (BBE) which says, "But you are a special people, a holy nation, priests and kings, a people given up completely to God, so that you may make clear the virtues of him who took you out of the dark into the light of heaven."

The world is watching us to see if we're for real or not. That's why Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 4:12 (BBE), "Let no one make little of you because you are young, but be an example to the church in word, in behaviour, in love, in faith, in holy living."

So, how do we achieve such a high standard? Paul gives us that answer in Romans 12:2 (BBE). "And let not your behaviour be like that of this world, but be changed and made new in mind, so that by experience you may have knowledge of the good and pleasing and complete purpose of God."

Truly, the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live a holy life for Christ. As Titus 3:5 and 6 (BBE) explains, "Not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but in the measure of his mercy, he gave us salvation, through the washing of the new birth and the giving of new life in the Holy Spirit, Which he gave us freely through Jesus Christ our Saviour;"

This is the main focus of my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? Far too many professing Christians assume that Jesus will reward them for the good works they did. The sad part is that they were done because of less-than-honourable motives.

On Saturday, I'll post about how people use others for their own gratification. The song is from Germany's most influential band too.