Come, Jesus, Lord, with holy fire

This is a fact that the Lord has accomplished. When we see this fact and acknowledge that the Lord has done away with the old man on the cross, then we can say, “I am crucified with Christ” (Gal. 2:20 ; 6:14). These two references acknowledge what the Lord has done for us. After this acknowledgment we need to experience the cross in dealing with these last five items: our soul-life, our flesh, our temper, our self, and our natural constitution.

Therefore, the whole experience of the cross lies in the following three steps: first, the crucifying of our old man, which is an objective fact accomplished by Christ; second, when we acknowledge and receive this fact, it becomes “I am crucified with Christ”; third, when we go on to experience this fact subjectively, there are five different points, which are due to the five different aspects of the old man. First, the old man has a soul-life, which when being lived out is expressed in the flesh, temper, the self, and the natural constitution. As we apply in our experience the crucifixion with Christ through the Holy Spirit to our soul-life, that is dealing with the soul-life. Second, when we apply the death of the cross to whatever is lived out from our soul-life, whether it be good or bad, that is dealing with the flesh. Third, dealing with the flesh includes also dealing with the temper. Fourth, when we apply the death of the cross to our opinions and ideas, that is dealing with the self, or bearing the cross. Fifth, when we apply the death of the cross to our maneuvering, capability, ability, methods, wisdom, and knowledge, that is dealing with the natural constitution, or the breaking of the cross.

The Experience of Life
Chapter 10 Dealing with the Self
(LSM)

See revised version in E8279.

What precious longings this hymn inspires and conveys! Thank You for Your mighty interceding work in us. Jesus or glory be.

Since I AM BORN OF GOD!!!.
Less than Thyself, oh, do not give,
In might Thyself within me live
Come, all Thou hast and art.