The reality of the life in the Spirit

The crux of the matter is, one can either be spiritual or carnal and there is only one way that regulates the way of life that is in accordance to the Spirit and regardless of denominational affiliation, we should all be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Therefore, to live the life which is in accordance to the Spirit, a huge transformation has to first take place in the mind as we have been duly admonished saying; “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, set their minds on the things of the Spirit: For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

The main reason why the mind transformation is so vitally important it is; “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 7:7-8).

Now consider this carefully, if the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can it be, what then is the nature of the spiritual mind? Obviously, the nature of the spiritual mind is one that is in harmony with God. In subjection to the law of God and will ever be in subjection to it.

In fact, the terms of the new covenant which the Lord has made with His people states; “But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them," then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more" (Hebrews 10:15-17).

Now the rationale for having the laws into our hearts and written in the mind is for us not to forget or neglect them. For thus says the Lord; “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them” (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

Unfortunately, this is not what that is being taught or promulgated in the religious circle when we have been duly admonished saying; “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles --- when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:1-5).

The will of God is that we keep His commandments because it is by this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:2-3).

 Another very important aspect of the mind transformation is that of; “Setting our minds on things above and not on things on the earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but rather, we should lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where our treasure is, there will our heart will be also. (See Colossians 3:2; Matthew 6:19-21).

Therefore, unless the mind is transformed from carnal to spiritual, one is unable to understand the things of God and so we have been admonished saying; “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

What therefore is the law, the power, the system, or stipulated way of life in the Spirit that liberates us from the law of sin and death?

Before answering this question, it is imperative that we should first have a good understanding of the law of sin and death, because different people may have a different understanding, and interpretation, even their own opinions of this matter.

To be continued