The Evidences of the Christian Life

Graham Scroggie says, “Christianity is not an ethic, nor a philosophy, though it is both ethical and philosophical, but it is a life.”[1] We have looked at an Explanation of the Christian Life as well as the Entrance into the Christian Life.  The Christian life is a life of faith and freedom, and it is a life that is lived for the future.  The only Entrance into this life is the Person of Jesus Christ, and once our position is in Him, it is a fixed position.  Now we will enter the thought of the Evidences of the Christian Life.

One of the major problems with today’s secular movement within churches is that the identification is with the world (lust of the flesh, eyes, pride of life) as opposed to identification with Jesus Christ and His Word.  You know the saying, “If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and looks like a duck – IT’S A DUCK!”  What we see common today is an adoption of worldly philosophy, but the use of the Name of Christ.  In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul addresses some very important truths with regards to the Evidences of the Christian Life.  We will also look into Romans 6 to see what the Lord says to us about this.

Dead People Don’t Sin Anymore

One of the signs of the popular form of Christianity today is lack of separated living.  The reason for this is that there is no true spiritual desire to live for the Lord or to live according to the Word of God.  As a result, many just engage in that which feels good and comfortable to their own flesh regardless of association with the world.  Is our salvation a license to sin?  Of course not!  Paul says in Romans 6:1 – 2,

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Regarding this passage, Robert Sorenson says, “The simple idea being advanced is that dead people don’t sin anymore.”^[2] The intent of this lesson will be to explain what the Scripture clearly teaches about our new life in Christ.  Christian living and experience has been so twisted and confused. 

The great problem with many fundamentalists is the emphasis they have placed upon DOING rather than upon BEING.  Who an individual IS in Christ must be established and recognized by that individual before he or she can proceed to begin serving Christ.

Condemnation for Sin

Romans 1 – 3 address the truth that all are under condemnation because of sin.  In chapter one, all Gentiles are condemned because of their own sin.  In chapter 2, the Jews alike are condemned.  In chapter 3, the world is condemned.  There is a universal condemnation for sin.  Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  This is so important!  Many people miss this!  “There is no need for Justification where there is no Condemnation.  Freedom cannot be given where there is no bondage, and life cannot be imparted where it already exists.”^[3] As a result of this all-important truth, the Apostle Paul spends three chapters presenting a universal need.

The Remedy for the Condemnation

Beginning with 3:21 through 5:11, the remedy for this universal need is presented.  The remedy is Jesus Christ.  Faith in Him alone can rescue man from eternal condemnation.  While the Jews were engaged in acts of the Law, Paul explains that the Law could not accomplish their salvation.  The righteousness of the Law is fulfilled in an individual by faith in Jesus Christ (8:4).

Practice is Proof of Position

Beginning with chapter 6 a transition takes place.  It is a transition from the believer’s position in Christ to the believer’s practice.  “Not only must the Christian message be delivered before the Christian life can be lived; but the Christian life is the proof that the Christian message has been delivered.”^[4] Once our position in Christ has been settled, our practice will prove this to be true.  Our practice proves our position!  Is this not what the book of James teaches as well?  When an individual turns from his or her sin to Jesus Christ in faith, their position becomes fixed.  From that moment, they are in Christ.  This does not change, and there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God IN CHRIST (Romans 8:38 – 39).

The Mind and the Flesh

One truth we learn in chapter 7 is that the victorious, daily life is also found only in the Person of Jesus Christ.  Some claim Christ for salvation, and then they continue in sin.  This is sad, and it is apparently what has happened with today’s “Popular Christianity.”  In addition, this is no less a form of “easy-believism” which will lead many to a Godless eternity in Hell.

All believers that are alive on this earth still have the flesh, but at salvation, all believers receive new life.  This inward man is at enmity with the outward flesh.  According to Romans 7:25, deliverance in this battle is found in Jesus Christ.  Since the Holy Spirit of God continues the work of Jesus Christ we can understand why in chapter 8, the apostle speaks much of the Holy Spirit.  In other words, faith in Jesus Christ cannot be separated from the Spirit-filled life.  The Spirit of God indwells the believer, seals the believer, intercedes for the believer, teaches the believer, and many other things.

8:1 – 11 – After the Flesh versus After the Spirit

Romans 8: 1 – 11 say, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

A Fixed Position

Notice how many times the phrase “after the Spirit” and the phrase “after the flesh” is used.  While most preachers view this as those who are “Good Christians” and those who are “Carnal Christians,” the context does not prove this to be the differentiation the writer is making.  The context is dealing with a matter of choosing the way of the “Spirit” or the way of faith in Christ as opposed to the way of the “flesh” or attempting to gain salvation by works of the law.  We must keep in mind to whom the Apostle Paul is writing.  These Jewish Christians were struggling with traditional, oral, and written law.  In other words, verse one is telling these individuals that if they have chosen the way of the Spirit or the way of faith, then there is NO CONDEMNATION.  The freedom in verse two is a matter of the choice that has been made already in the lives of these individuals.

The same thought is true in verses 4 – 5.  Walking after the flesh denotes those who are attempting to gain salvation in works.  Those who are attempting to be righteous in the eyes of God have this carnal mind and this is how they think.  They think this way, therefore they do of this particular way: works.  “To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded in life,” is not speaking of a carnal Christian, but rather this is speaking of an unsaved individual who is attempting, by carnal methods, to acquire salvation.

Verse four is very clear, “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”  Compare this to Romans 10:10, which no one would dare question this verse to be dealing with salvation.  Romans 10:10 says, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness…” Belief is associated directly to faith in the earlier part of this chapter ten.  In addition, 10:6 says, “But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise…” The bottom line is that righteousness before God is a matter of faith and not of works.  This righteousness is imputed to those who have chose the way of faith or the way of the Spirit and not to those who have chosen to go after the flesh.  Salvation is in Christ, plus nothing and minus nothing.

A Fixed Proof

Verse twelve is climactic which says, “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.”  As a result of what he has said, our obligation is not different.  What we will learn in the following points is that our daily practice is proof of a settled position.  Once our position in Christ has been settled, our practice will prove this to be true.  James 1:18 says, “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without they works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” The proof is in the pudding!

This is where it will get a little sticky.  The Apostle Paul makes some very definitive statements.  Those who have chosen the way that is “after the flesh” do “mind” the things of the flesh and visa versa.  The word “mind” means “to have understanding, be wise, to feel, to think, to direct one’s mind to a thing, to seek, and to strive for.”  In other words, those who are in this particular way, think this way.  What is produced in thought will be lived out in your life.

What is in your mind to do?  What is your desire?  Is there truly conviction for sin?  Do you think in a carnal way?  Do you mind the things of the flesh?  Do you lead your thoughts and actions in the way of the flesh?  Your actions are a proof of your position.  Are you after the flesh or after the Spirit?

I submit to you that based upon the Word of God, those who have chosen the way of the Spirit, have chosen the way of faith.  This way has produced a new life within that has different desires and a different way of thinking.  YOU CANNOT BE TRULY BORN AGAIN OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD and continuing in sin without experiencing the chastening hand of God upon your life.

The greatest concern the churches should have today is the burden for the lost souls of professing Christians within their pews.  These individuals have no desire for the service of Christ and no conviction for sin because there is no life within them.

If the Root Be Holy (parenthetical)

In chapters 9 – 11 of Romans we enter what is considered a dispensational portion of Scripture.  These chapters deal with the national election of Israel.  It is important to keep this in mind as you study election.

Chapter eleven verse 16 says, “For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.”  In this chapter Paul is explaining the setting aside of Israel because of their unbelief and the salvation of the Gentiles.  The Gentiles can be holy as the firstfruit and as the root.  The Gentiles were grafted in though they were branches brought from a wild olive tree.

The literal truth is that if the root is good, then that which is produced by the root will be good.  When we compare Scripture with Scripture, note the following verses:

• Romans 15:12 (Isaiah 11:10) – “And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.”
• Proverbs 12:3 – “A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.”
• Proverbs 12:12 – “A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.”
• John 15:5 – “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

What we need to understand is that “if the root be holy, so are the branches.”  We are not only holy by faith in Christ, but our lives will show this holiness.  Does not I Peter 1:16 say, “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy”?  The one question that you must answer from this truth is, “Does your life prove or disprove the position in Christ that you claim?”

The only way to be right before God is to recognize the exceeding sinfulness of sin, recognize the penalty that you must pay for your sin, and turn from your sin to Christ in simple faith.  There is no other solution.

If you are continuously living in sin, and have no desire for the LORD or the things of the LORD, you must take time to examine yourself.  Are you truly born again?  Answer this honestly, “Where, according to the Word of God, do you believe you will spend eternity?”

Matthew 7:22 – 23 says, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”  II Timothy 3:1-8 says, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.”

A Fixed Promise

In Romans 8:11, we are given a great promise.  The Word of God says that those who are believers have the promise of one day being raised as their Saviour was raised from the dead.  This verse speaks of our mortal bodies.  Another important application that can be made here is the filling of the Spirit of God on a day-to-day basis.  John said in Revelation 1, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day.”  This is a great hope for the believer.  In Christ, we are raised to walk “in newness of life.”  This is typified in baptism.  Not only do we hope for a resurrected body in the future, but we have a new life in Christ presently.  “He that hath the Son, hath life…”

Before we get into the main points of this chapter, let me point out some clear evidences seen in those who are “after the Spirit.”  First, in verse fourteen the Word of God says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”  One sure evidence of the Christian life is that God’s Holy Spirit leads you.  In addition, a second evidence is seen in verse sixteen where the Word of God says, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”  Only true Christians can vouch for the working of the Holy Spirit of God in their lives.  There are those who claim God’s work in there lives, but the true working of the Spirit can only be witnessed or testified of those who truly know God.  Now we will endeavor into more controversial information.

There are three words that we need to study so that we may gain a greater understanding of the evidences of the Christian life.  The words are “reckon,” “reign,” and “righteousness.”  Though these are not see in chapter eight, verse thirteen of chapter eight is a companion verse of 6:11 – 15.  In other words, for us to better understand 8:13, we must look to 6:11 – 15.  They Word of God says, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”

“Reckon”

The word “reckon” means to “make up your mind, to make a mental decision, to acknowledge.”  In chapter 8:13, the writer is telling us that our salvation is not after the flesh.  Scroggie says of this portion of Scripture, “The Law says, Do and you shall live; but the Gospel says, Live and you will do.”[5] What we find in chapter 6:11 – 15 is that once we have made this decision and our position is fixed in the Person of Jesus Christ, there must be a “reckoning” that this is truly the case.  The born again Christian must daily acknowledge what is already the case.  He or she cannot acknowledge that which they do not have prior knowledge of in the first place.  If I told you to just believe a statement, but I never told you what the statement was, you could not acknowledge the statement because you have no knowledge of the statement.  This is the case with the believer.  In chapter 6:1 – 2, Paul opens up the chapter by pointing out the fact that grace is not a reason to continue in sin.  To overcome sin in our lives, we must first be truly born again.  Once this positional matter is settled, we must daily “reckon” ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin.  If my death is a matter of historical fact, then the reckoning that the incident took place must be a matter of DAILY acknowledgement.

“Reign”

This word simply means “to rule.”  The implication found in 6:12 is that sin could rule in the mortal body of a believer.  Notice all the words that deal with servitude in chapter six.  Here is a brief listing:

• (v. 6) “serve sin”
• (v. 9) “dominion”
• (v. 12) “reign” & “obey”
• (v. 13) “yield” and “yield”
• (v. 14) “dominion,” “under,” and “under”
• (v. 15) “under” and “under”
• (v. 16) “yield,” “servants,” “obey,” “servants,” “obey,” “obedience”
• (v. 17) “servants,” and “obeyed”
• (v. 18) “free” and “servants”
• (v. 19) “yielded” and “servants”
• (v. 20) “servants” and “free”
• (v. 22) “free” and “servants”

The point here is very clear.  Either we will recognize our death to sin and the law as well as our freedom on Christ, or we will live under the bondage of sin willfully.  What will it be?  John 8:34 – 36 teaches us that if we are continually engaged in sin, then we are the servants of sin.  Christ has set you free.  Live that way!  We must daily reckon that, which has already taken place, to be true.

“Righteousness”

Romans 6:13 uses the word “yield” which means “to present or offer.”  It is the same word that is used in Romans 12:1.  The word “members” means “human body, particularly with regard to sexual activity.”  We are not to yield our bodies as instruments of sin or wrongdoing.  On the flip side, we are to yield our members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

The question now becomes, “How can I yield my members to the Lord?”  The answer is rather simple.  Graham Scroggie says, ““And finally, the Power of Holiness is shown to be the unhindered dominion over us of the Holy Spirit.”[6] Romans 8:14 and Galatians 5:18 both have the phrase, “Led of the Spirit.”  Are you willing to be led of the Spirit of God?  This requires your yielding.  This requires submission.  Please keep in mind that it is the Spirit that bears the fruit in our lives according to Galatians 5:22.  The Holy Spirit is the One who teaches us to abide in Christ according to I John 2:27; and according to John 15, abiding in Christ causes us to be fruitful.  We cannot be the Christians we should be apart from the complete filling (control) of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

“The Apostle is dealing with that for which we are justified, a life rooted in a principle which, if apprehended and believed, is productive of holiness.”  What then is this principle?  It is the Christian’s recognition of his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection.  The identification with Christ is the profoundest truth in the New Testament.”[7] It is the Holy Spirit of God that continues the work of Jesus Christ in our lives.  He teaches us to abide in Him.  The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, and ultimately brings glory to Christ through us.

“Righteousness” is not an evil word.  We are declared righteous before God because of Christ.  As a result we can live righteously, not by our own effort, but by our daily yielding to the control of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Many have made this a matter of man’s effort, but the truth of the matter is that we must submit daily in order to live righteously.  Yield to God!

This yielding and submission is evidence of the life within and produces outward evidences.  We must first reckon or acknowledge our position daily, do NOT allow sin to reign in your mortal body, and yield to the Holy Spirit for the production of righteous living, which is an evidence of inward righteousness imputed to us through Christ.

[2] Robert Sorenson, Understanding the Bible, p. 673

[3] Graham Scroggie, Unfolding Drama of Redemption, Volume III p. 135

[4] Ibid., p. 139

[5] Ibid., 134.

[6] Ibid., 139

[7] Ibid., 139