Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian theological framework, the concept of carnal affections refers to the desires and inclinations of the flesh that are contrary to the will and holiness of God. These affections are often associated with sinful nature and are seen as obstacles to spiritual growth and sanctification. The crucifixion of carnal affections in the saints is a transformative process, central to the Christian life, where believers, through the power of the Holy Spirit, put to death the deeds of the flesh and cultivate a life led by the Spirit.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of carnal affections extensively in his epistles. In Galatians 5:24, he writes, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" . This verse underscores the expectation that believers, having been united with Christ, actively participate in the mortification of sinful desires. The imagery of crucifixion signifies a decisive and painful separation from the old nature, symbolizing the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection. In Romans 6:6, Paul further elaborates, "We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin" . Here, the "old self" represents the pre-conversion state dominated by carnal affections. The crucifixion of this old self is not merely a metaphorical expression but a spiritual reality that empowers believers to live in freedom from sin's dominion. The Role of the Holy Spirit The process of crucifying carnal affections is not accomplished through human effort alone but is facilitated by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8:13, Paul instructs, "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" . The Holy Spirit provides the strength and guidance necessary for believers to overcome the temptations and desires of the flesh, leading them into a life of holiness and obedience to God. Practical Implications The crucifixion of carnal affections involves both a positional and practical aspect. Positionally, believers are considered dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11). Practically, this truth is worked out in daily life through spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and the study of Scripture. Believers are called to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24), which involves a continual renewal of the mind and a conscious effort to align one's desires with God's will. Challenges and Encouragement While the crucifixion of carnal affections is a lifelong process, believers are encouraged by the assurance of God's grace and the promise of ultimate victory over sin. In Philippians 1:6, Paul expresses confidence that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" . This assurance provides hope and motivation for believers to persevere in their spiritual journey, knowing that God is faithful to complete the work He has started in them. The crucifixion of carnal affections is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, enabling believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling and to reflect the character of Christ in a fallen world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 6:6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that from now on we should not serve sin. Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 5:24 Library The Subtraction Process "But the End of all Things is at Hand, be Ye Therefore Sober and ... Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest. What is Sanctification? The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ... The Law Established through Faith On Sin in Believers The Saints' Privilege and Profit; The First Sermon in the Tabernacle Resources Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Queen James Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is spiritual adultery? | GotQuestions.org Affections: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Affections of Saints, Supremely Set on God Affections of the Wicked, are Unnatural and Perverted Affections of the Wicked, not Sincerely Set on God Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of Affections: Carnal Affections Crucified in Saints Affections: Carnal, should be Mortified Affections: Christ Claims the First Place In Affections: Enkindled by Communion With Christ Affections: False Teachers Seek to Captivate Affections: should be Set Upon Heavenly Things Affections: should be Set Upon the Commandments of God Affections: should be Set Upon the House and Worship of God Affections: should be Set Upon the People of God Affections: should be Supremely Set Upon God Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God Affections: should not Grow Cold The Affections of Saints, Supremely Set on God The Affections of the Wicked, are Unnatural and Perverted The Affections of the Wicked, not Sincerely Set on God The Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of The Affections: Carnal Affections Crucified in Saints The Affections: Carnal Affections should be Mortified The Affections: Christ Claims the First Place In The Affections: Enkindled by Communion With Christ The Affections: False Teachers Seek to Captivate The Affections: should be Set: Upon Heavenly Things The Affections: should be Set: Upon the Commandments of God The Affections: should be Set: Upon the House and Worship of God The Affections: should be Set: Upon the People of God The Affections: should be Supremely Set Upon God The Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God The Affections: should not Grow Cold Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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