We Must Consent to the Crucifixion of the Old Man

Having condemned “the old man” as a hideous, hateful, heinous thing, we are prepared for the next step God asks us to take. He has declared “the old man” worthy of crucifixion; in fact, He has already accomplished his crucifixion with Christ. Now God asks the believer to give his hearty consent to this transaction and to consider it an accomplished fact in his experience. Again, this would seem like an extremely easy thing to do. In theory, it is; in practice, it is not, for “the old man” will fight like a tiger for his life.

“Self will make any concession if allowed to live. Self will permit the believer to do anything, give anything, sacrifice anything, go anywhere, take any liberties, bear any crosses, afflict soul or body to any degree—anything, if it can only live. It will consent to live in a hovel, in a garret, in the slums, in faraway heathendom, if only its life can be spared. It will endure any garb, any fare, any menial service rather than die.”

But God says nothing short of the crucifixion of self will do. This was the second step which the apostle Paul took to life on the highest plane—he gave his whole-souled consent to his co-crucifixion with Christ Jesus and considered it something now past.

Galatians 2:20

“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.

“The Cross only severs what you consent to part from. The severing of the Cross is not an actual experience, unless the will of the believer desires and consents to the actual separation in fact and practice.”

Have you consented to your crucifixion with Christ? There can be no reservations, no holding back part of the price. The whole “I” must be counted dead. God asks you to put your signature to this statement, “I have been crucified with Christ.” If you have never done so, will you do it today?

Source: “Life on the Highest Plane” by Ruth Paxson

Hallelujah!!! I have been crucified with Christ.