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Crucified With Christ: Ceasing from All Sinful Works of the Flesh Through Repentance, Faith, and the Sanctifying Power of the Holy Ghost unto a Holy and Blameless Life Before God.

This study explores the profound spiritual truth of our identification with Christ's crucifixion, death, and resurrection, leading to a life free from the dominion of sin. We will examine the essential steps of repentance and faith, and how the indwelling power of the Holy Ghost enables believers to walk in newness of life, fulfilling God's call to holiness and blamelessness.

1. Our Identification with Christ's Death and Resurrection

1.1 Dying to Sin

Verses: Romans 6:2; Romans 6:6-7; Galatians 2:20
  • Through Christ's sacrifice, we are declared dead to the power and dominion of sin.
  • Our old self, enslaved to sin, was crucified with Him to break sin's hold.
  • This spiritual death is a prerequisite for living a life of righteousness.

1.2 Buried with Him in Baptism

Verses: Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38
  • Water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ symbolizes our burial with Him, signifying the death of our old life.
  • It is an act of obedience and identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.
  • This immersion signifies a complete separation from our past sinful existence.

1.3 Raised to Newness of Life

Verses: Romans 6:4-5; Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 3:1-3
  • Just as Christ was raised by the glory of the Father, we are raised to walk in a new quality of life.
  • Our spiritual resurrection means we are no longer bound by sin but live for God.
  • We are to seek those things which are above, where Christ, who is God manifest in the flesh, sits.

2. The Foundation of Repentance and Faith

2.1 The Call to Repentance

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Luke 13:3
  • Repentance is a change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and towards God.
  • It involves godly sorrow for sin and a commitment to forsake unrighteousness.
  • This turning is the initial step towards receiving forgiveness and new life.

2.2 Faith in the One True God

Verses: John 14:9; John 1:1-3; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • Saving faith is believing in Jesus Christ as the one and only true God, the Creator and Redeemer.
  • All the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Him; He is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • This faith is essential for salvation and for receiving all that God has for us.

2.3 Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5; Colossians 3:17
  • Water baptism is commanded for the remission of sins and is to be administered in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • This specific formula identifies us with His saving power and authority.
  • It is a vital part of the new birth experience, following repentance and faith.

3. The Sanctifying Power of the Holy Ghost

3.1 Receiving the Spirit of God

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6; John 7:38-39
  • The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, given to indwell believers.
  • Receiving the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in other tongues, empowers us for a holy life.
  • This experience is essential for spiritual transformation and walking in God's power.

3.2 The Spirit's Work in Overcoming the Flesh

Verses: Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16-17; Galatians 5:24
  • The Holy Ghost provides the power to mortify the deeds of the body and overcome sinful desires.
  • There is a constant spiritual battle between the flesh and the Spirit, but the Spirit gives victory.
  • Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

3.3 Walking in the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:25; Romans 8:1-2; Ephesians 5:18
  • If we live by the Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit, allowing Him to guide our daily lives.
  • There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.
  • Being filled with the Spirit is an ongoing experience, leading to continuous spiritual growth and empowerment.

4. Living a Holy and Blameless Life

4.1 Putting Off the Old Man

Verses: Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:8-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • We are commanded to put off the old man with his corrupt practices and be renewed in the spirit of our minds.
  • This involves actively laying aside specific sins like anger, malice, slander, and lying.
  • As new creations in Christ, we are to live according to God's righteousness and true holiness.

4.2 Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 1:11; John 15:8
  • A life crucified with Christ will naturally produce the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.
  • These virtues are evidence of the Holy Ghost's work within us and bring glory to God.
  • Bearing much fruit demonstrates our discipleship and glorifies the Father.

4.3 The Hope of His Appearing

Verses: 1 John 3:2-3; Titus 2:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
  • Our ultimate hope is the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
  • This hope motivates us to purify ourselves, even as He is pure, living soberly, righteously, and godly.
  • We eagerly await the resurrection and transformation of our bodies to be forever with the Lord.