Topical Encyclopedia Sin, in Christian theology, is any action, thought, or attitude that falls short of God's holiness and commands. The concept of mortifying sin is deeply rooted in Scripture, emphasizing the believer's responsibility to actively combat and subdue sinful tendencies through the power of the Holy Spirit.Biblical Foundation The call to mortify sin is grounded in several key passages of the New Testament. In Romans 8:13, the Apostle Paul writes, "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." This verse underscores the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit to overcome the sinful nature, highlighting the life-and-death stakes involved in this spiritual battle. Similarly, Colossians 3:5 instructs believers to "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." Here, Paul lists specific sins that must be eradicated, indicating that mortification is not a passive process but an active, deliberate effort to eliminate sin from one's life. Theological Implications The mortification of sin is not merely a call to moral improvement but a fundamental aspect of sanctification—the process by which believers are made holy. This process is both a divine work and a human responsibility. Philippians 2:12-13 captures this dual aspect: "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." The mortification of sin is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. It involves a conscious effort to reject sinful behaviors and cultivate virtues that reflect the character of Christ. Galatians 5:24-25 states, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit." Practical Application Mortifying sin requires vigilance and discipline. Believers are encouraged to engage in regular self-examination, prayer, and the study of Scripture to identify and combat sin. Ephesians 6:11-12 advises, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Accountability within the Christian community is also vital. James 5:16 exhorts, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This communal aspect of mortification helps believers support one another in their spiritual journey. Conclusion The mortification of sin is a critical component of the Christian life, demanding both divine assistance and human effort. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to actively resist sin and pursue holiness, reflecting the transformative work of Christ in their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 8:13For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 3:5 Library How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to the Killing and ... How it is that the Body Dead Because of Sin. The Most Ancient and Most Respectable of the Christian Fathers ... How the Will Governs the Sensual Appetite. Sin a Power in Reversed Action. What a Sacrifice Is, and what are the Species of Sacrifice. Sanctification. In the Second Place, Repentance and Grace are Obscured. ... That Gentleness must be Added to Severity, as is Shown in the Case ... The Twenty-Fourth Chapter: Judgment and the Punishment of Sin Resources What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgThe Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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