EXTRACTS

We learn the uncleanness of the flesh by its entire lack of appreciation of Christ, by its utter refusal of Him. I find that my flesh does not want Christ; it prefers every vanity of this world to Christ; and if brought face to face with Him so as to be tested fully it hates Him. This is a very searching and humbling lesson. Then we learn that in His death unclean flesh was cut off in holy judgment; He bore its just condemnation. Thus in the light of Christ and of His death one learns to judge oneself. We see that what we are by nature and

according to flesh is morally corrupt; it is to be judged, refused, and hated, not gratified. The soul in this exercise is learning to be morally separate from what is of the flesh; it is going through the days of cleansing.

The latter part of Romans 7 shows a process of self-discovery under law, but self-discovery in presence of Christ is an even deeper lesson; it is an intensified exercise. But it is accompanied by a precious and subduing sense of grace, for the One in whose presence all my uncleanness is exposed is my Saviour; He has died for me, and in Him God’s thoughts of infinite grace toward me are set forth. If I am all wrong, He is all that is precious and acceptable to God, and all that He is, is for me.

There is a difference between being crucified with Christ and being circumcised in Him.

Being crucified with Him refers to the place which we take up in the world—a place of reproach and contempt. But circumcision is what the world cannot take account of at all; it is the death of Christ as known in the heart and spirit of the believer, and taken account of by God. The believer who has come to it has no confidence in the flesh; he is morally clear of it in his spirit with God.

C. A. Coates (‘An Outline of Leviticus’, pp.136, 137) I see on every side truth pared down in order to sanction the entrance of the world. I may say I fear the world more than bad doctrine, but all bad doctrine opens a door to the world. The world so insinuates itself, and one helps another into the spirit of it, and then the resource and joy of the soul in Christ are lost.

J. B. Stoney (‘Letters’ Vol.1, p.210)

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