The true nature of Christian perfection is first, a fullness
of self-denial.
“For if you live after the flesh, you will die: but
if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you will live.”
Romans 8:13“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
The highest expression of spiritual life is not regeneration, sanctification, perfection, victory over sin, or power. It is instead the denying of the flesh (Our self life), which is both the aim and the way of spiritual life.
This is not the flesh putting down the flesh by austerities, fasting, and man-made denials. It is through the Spirit, taking up the cross that the Lord puts upon us, and then joyfully walking that path - enduring that which is our divinely appointed lot.
Perfect self-denial in the Spirit, ends in perfect victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil.
