Topical Encyclopedia The term "mortify" in a biblical context refers to the act of subduing or putting to death the sinful nature and its desires. This concept is rooted in the Christian doctrine of sanctification, where believers are called to live a life that is set apart for God, striving to overcome sin and grow in holiness.Biblical References: 1. Romans 8:13 : "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." This verse highlights the necessity of mortifying the deeds of the flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit. It underscores the contrast between living according to the sinful nature and living by the Spirit, with the latter leading to true life. 2. Colossians 3:5 : "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." Here, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to actively mortify specific sins that are part of the earthly nature. This call to action is part of the broader exhortation to seek things above and live a life that reflects one's identity in Christ. 3. Galatians 5:24 : "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." This passage emphasizes the decisive break with the sinful nature that occurs when one belongs to Christ. Mortification is presented as an integral aspect of the believer's union with Christ, involving a continual process of denying the flesh. Theological Significance: Mortification is a critical aspect of the Christian life, reflecting the believer's commitment to holiness and obedience to God. It involves a conscious effort to resist and overcome sin, relying on the Holy Spirit's power. The process of mortification is not merely about external behavior modification but involves a transformation of the heart and mind, aligning one's desires with God's will. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and meditation on Scripture to aid in the mortification of sin. Accountability within the Christian community also plays a vital role, as fellow believers can provide support and encouragement in the pursuit of holiness. Mortification requires vigilance and perseverance, recognizing that the battle against sin is ongoing until the believer is fully sanctified in the presence of God. Historical Context: The concept of mortification has been a significant theme throughout church history, particularly emphasized by early church fathers and reformers. It has been associated with the practice of self-denial and asceticism, though it is important to distinguish between legalistic approaches and genuine spiritual transformation. The Reformers, such as John Calvin, emphasized mortification as part of the believer's sanctification, driven by grace rather than human effort alone. In summary, mortification is a vital component of the Christian life, calling believers to actively put to death the sinful nature and live in the newness of life provided through Christ. It is a dynamic process that involves both divine empowerment and human responsibility, aiming toward the ultimate goal of Christlikeness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To destroy the organic texture and vital functions of; to produce gangrene in.2. (v. t.) To destroy the active powers or essential qualities of; to change by chemical action. 3. (v. t.) To deaden by religious or other discipline, as the carnal affections, bodily appetites, or worldly desires; to bring into subjection; to abase; to humble. 4. (v. t.) To affect with vexation, chagrin, or humiliation; to humble; to depress. 5. (v. i.) To lose vitality and organic structure, as flesh of a living body; to gangrene. 6. (v. i.) To practice penance from religious motives; to deaden desires by religious discipline. 7. (v. i.) To be subdued; to decay, as appetites, desires, etc. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MORTIFYmor'-ti-fi (Romans 8:13 the King James Version and the English Revised Version, thanatoo, the English Revised Version margin "make to die," and Colossians 3:5, nekroo, the English Revised Version margin "make dead"): This sense of mortify is obsolete in modern English, and the American Standard Revised Version in both places substitutes "put to death," with great advantage. The context in both passages goes to the heart of Paul's doctrine of the union of the believer with Christ. This union has given the soul a new life, flowing (through the Spirit) from Christ in the heavenly world, so that the remnants of the old corrupt life-principle are now dangerous excrescences. Hence, they are to be destroyed, just as a surgeon removes the remnants of a diseased condition after the reestablishment of healthy circulation. The interpreter must guard against weakening Paul's language into some such phrase as "subdue all that is inconsistent with the highest ideals," for Paul views the union with Christ as an intensely real, quasi-physical relation. Greek 3499. nekroo -- to put to death ... Cognate: 3499 (from 3498 , corpse-like, lifeless") -- to view as a corpse, ie without life; (but not "make") , ; to mortify, deprive of life or energizing power ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3499.htm - 7k 2289. thanatoo -- to put to death 4717. stauroo -- to fence with stakes, to crucify Library "For if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die, but if Ye through ... "For if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die; but if Ye through ... October 10. "If Ye, through the Spirit, do Mortify the Deeds of ... God's Promise is Sure. Rom. viii. 12, 13 Thus the Spirit of Man, Cleaving unto the Spirit of God... Naturally we Love Ourselves Only. ... The Pelagians Maintain that the Law is the Grace of God which ... Eighth Sunday after Trinity. Brethren, we are Debters, not to the ... The Flesh and the Spirit Thesaurus Mortify (2 Occurrences)... etc. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MORTIFY. mor ... relation. Burton Scott Easton. Multi-Version Concordance Mortify (2 Occurrences). Romans ... /m/mortify.htm - 9k Inordinate (2 Occurrences) Mortgaging (1 Occurrence) Mosaic (2 Occurrences) Colossians (1 Occurrence) Concupiscence (3 Occurrences) Crucify (20 Occurrences) Fornication (52 Occurrences) Lewdness (68 Occurrences) Body (562 Occurrences) Resources What is mortification of sin / the flesh? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is vivification? | GotQuestions.org Mortify: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mortify (2 Occurrences)Romans 8:13 Colossians 3:5 Subtopics Related Terms Commandments (181 Occurrences) |
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