FOLLOWING the previous post Summary Review, we will now return to The Complete Green Letters and commence our reading in Chapter 49, Reckoning in Galatians 2:20. This is an important consideration, to be taken slowly, carefully, and prayerfully. If you have the book I would encourage you to read the entire chapter in one sitting. If not, read on.
In the inexorable riches of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa 30:15, Jas 1:2; Prov. 21:30
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Chapter 49 — Reckoning in Galatians 2:20
Nowhere does the believer go farther astray than by reckoning self dead! For, if the old man died at the cross, it would mean he was annihilated. To reckon self to be dead results in the error of eradication. But every honest Christian knows only too well that the self-life is very much alive within. To err is to cut the lifeline to healthy spiritual development.
On the other hand, we are to view the old man as having been crucified: nailed to the cross, helpless, but not slain. (See Chapter 6.) “Our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin [the law of sin in our members] might be ‘katargethe’” (Rom. 6:6). This Greek word carries these meanings: “held inoperative,” “annulled,” “made without effect,” “power broken,” “put down.”
As we reckon upon that crucifixion, the Holy Spirit applies the effect of the cross to self, holding it inoperative and thereby freeing us from its power. Our failure to reckon will release the old man from the cross to resume his sinful reign in our members. There could not be this resumption if self were dead.
Galatians 2:20 (ASV) clearly delineates the two sources of life involved in our reckoning: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.” How important it is diligently to “study … rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Unless the principle of distinctions is faithfully adhered to, our reckoning will be invalid and come to naught. …..to be continued
