The Believer Becomes Dead to Self

The exact words are not in Scripture, but the thought is clearly there in the following passages, which show the believer’s radical reversal in his relationship to self.

2 Corinthians 5:15

“And he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again.”

Galatians 5:24

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”

“The old man” never acknowledges himself as dead. Self-will is married to self-love, and they and their entire offspring will work night and day to retake the throne of the believer’s life permanently, if possible, but if not, temporarily. But Christ enables us to say a continuous and firm “no” to every appeal of self and refuse it even a foothold in any territory He has conquered. The divine Proprietor is amply able to guard and keep His property for Himself. Our part is to maintain a persistent and consistent attitude of death to self.

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

Lord, through Your Life, I can live unto God and no longer unto myself.