THE CONFLICT OF THESE TWO NATURES IN EVERY BELIEVER

To admit the coexistence of these two diametrically opposed and mutually exclusive natures is to acknowledge the necessity of fiercest conflict. It is indeed the agelong conflict between Satan and Christ, with the believer’s inner life as the battlefield. It is self contesting Christ’s right to His purchased possession.

This conflict is personalized in the spiritual experience of the apostle Paul. He has been reborn; he was justified and sanctified in Christ Jesus. The Lord Jesus had come in to possess His possession and to take control. But there was one who contested His right. A conflict ensued between the old Saul and the new Paul. Two antagonists were fighting a deadly battle for a coveted prize. Romans 7 pictures a Christian torn to pieces by this awful conflict and baffled and discouraged beyond words by it all. He wonders if there is any possible way into victory and rest.

It is this conflict that staggers many a young Christian, and often causes a total eclipse of faith or a gradual backsliding into the world. He took the first step into the Christian life because his conscience was awakened to the evil of his doings. His chief concern was for his sins. He had been convicted of the sinfulness of acts and habits, and felt a sense of guilt because of them. He came to Christ and accepted Him as Savior so that he might be rid of certain sins. In realizing forgiveness and the assurance of pardon, he experiences great joy and gladly witnesses for Christ.

But he soon finds himself doing the old things again; the evil habits persist; the sinful disposition manifests itself in hydra-headed fashion; wicked practices return; worse than all, the joy in fellowship with Christ lessens; the heart grows cold; the spirit is dulled; he grows utterly discouraged. But his love for God has not been altogether quenched and flames up into intense desire under the inspiration of some message from God’s Word or by the glimpse into a life which reflects peace and joy. Something in him cries out for God while another something contests every inch of God’s claim upon his life. He is wholly nonplussed by this duality within himself.

Something within him will not let him release his hold upon God. Consequently, he strives against these sins, agonizes over them, prays for release, and makes every effort possible within his own power to achieve victory. But despite all he does, his life is a kingdom divided against itself. Then something tells him it is no use trying to live a victorious life, and he may as well give up. Over and over again, he asks himself the question, Is it all worthwhile? He even tries to persuade himself that the man who makes no profession of Christ is much happier than he is. But one day, when on the very verge of absolute despair, he cries out of deep heart desire for deliverance, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”

What seems like his utter downfall is really his hour of deliverance, for it is the time of abject self-despair to which he had to come before God could step in and open the way of deliverance for him.

Dear friend, are you living in Romans 7 today? Are you worn out with the conflict? Do you wish to know the way out? Then just close this book for a moment and tell Him so; then open it and ask Him to show you the way out into conquest and victory. 

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

Gracious Lord, we praise You for Your love for us. You did not allow this revelation of our true condition to remain hidden. You desired that we know the truth concerning ourselves and our constant failures. You have given us hope that there is a way out!!