This crucifixion is a death and burial process, as described in Romans, chapter 6, which is the destruction of sin. There is also to be a facing of the cross of Christ in our daily walk. Herein is the “process” by which the Lord recreates our character, which frees us from the natural realm, and lifts us into the Spirit realm. In these processes, He frees us from our strengths and weaknesses, the spots and blemishes of our nature, and gives us a heavenly character.
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If we desire to become an “overcomer,” becoming a part of the Bride of Christ, we must enter the school of the Holy Spirit and come under His teachings, dealings, and control. Here, under the light of the Holy Spirit, we will face ourselves in thorough examination. No one can see in any other way his faults and earthward tendencies. With fan, refiner’s fire, fuller’s soap, chastening, these are the Lord’s methods in dealing with these.
“But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appears? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver….” Malachi 3:2-3
“Whose fan is in His hand, and he will thoroughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:12
“…My son, despise not you the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:5-6
There is need of these crucifying processes in each of our lives. When we see our need, we should earnestly present ourselves to the Lord, to be entered as being His disciple, in “The School of Christ,” of which the Holy Spirit is Principal and Teacher.
If we are careful to listen, the Holy Spirit will show us how to apply the cross to all carnal tendencies, going deeper and deeper, until one after another, they are eliminated. At first it will be painful and hard to bear, but if we persevere, we will begin to glory in the cross.
All our carnal attitudes and ways will be transformed into the attitudes of Jesus Christ, and we will experience the great joy and delight of living untrammeled in the Spirit realm. Our liberty and attainment will be boundless, as all barriers are swept away.
Then, along with the Apostle Paul, we will be able to testify:
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
