Definition of Terms

1. Death (Ephesians 2:1,2; Romans 5:12-14,17)

Death is the absence of life (not annihilation).

Two key results are separation and change of relationship.

2. Old Man and New Man (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22,24; Colossians 3:9,10)

Specific: Old man refers to unregenerate human spirit consisting of Adamic life prior to salvation. New man refers to regenerate human spirit, indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

Generally: Old man is all that the Christian was before salvation. New man is all that the Christian is after salvation.

3. Flesh (Self-Life) (Romans 8:5-8; Galatians 5:16-21)

Flesh (in its unethical sense) is the residual depravity in the mortal body that has been conditioned by living independently of God. The ungodly patterns of the flesh include beliefs, values, and coping mechanisms that are sin-stained (inherited from Adam) and sin-trained (from each person's life experiences and choices - Romans 7:18).

"In the flesh," refers only to the position of unsaved people (Romans 8:8,9; Ephesians 2:1-3).

"After" or "according to the flesh," refers to a way of living which may be evident for either the unsaved or the saved (Romans 8:4, 5,13). This is a condition or way of living out of one's own resources and strength as if one is independent of God. It is learned before salvation (in Adam) and continually taught by the world.

"Carnal"(Latin root) is another word for "fleshly" (Romans 8:6,7, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

4. Sin and Sins (Romans 3:23, 6:14-23; 7:7-25)

Sin is an unholy force or power within but is not a part of the Christian. In the context of Romans 7:1-25, sin (singular) functions with an influence totally contrary to the influence of the Holy Spirit. The impersonal sin influence and the person of God's Holy Spirit are both distinct from the believer. The law [principle or power] of sin (Romans 7:21,23) includes the combined evil influence of our three spiritual enemiew--the world (in its immoral sense - Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15,16), the flesh (Romans 7:18), and the devil (1 Peter 5:8,9).

Sins are the behaviors which violate the expressed character and will of God.

5. Nature (Sinful Nature)

There are two definitions of the word "nature" that apply. One deals with the spirit, while the other deals with the soul.

The word "nature" when used of the spirit is the basic attributes or characteristics that determine that a human being is a human being distinct from the rest of the creation (Ephesians 2:1-3; 2 Peter 1:3-4).

The term sinful nature is usually used of a combination of flesh and the power of sin together, but if so used, it may not include the "old man."

6. Acceptance (Romans 15:7; Ephesians 1:6 (NKJV); Romans 8:1; John 5:24; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Acceptance is being welcomed and received without fear of every being judged or rejected. It is a gracious act of God whereby He receives the individual in Christ without any personal merit. This acceptance is based upon the Christian being made righteous in Christ.

7. Total Surrender/Commitment (Romans 12:1,2; Psalm 51:17)

Total surrender is a decision of the will that gives God "permission" to work in that person's life any way He desires.

8. Identification (1 Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 3:9)

Identification refers to being united together with Christ so as to have one common life. This union with Christ, in His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement, takes place at salvation. Personal awareness comes only by the illumination of the Holy Spirit. "Reckoning" is based upon this truth (Romans 6:11; Ephesians 1:17-23).

9. Eternal Life (Christ's Life - John 17:2,3; 1 John 5:20)

Eternal life is the life of God that is without beginning or ending.

10. Position and Condition (Romans 5:1; 7:24)

"Position" refers to one's true standing before God. Each person has a position of being either spiritually dead in Adam or spiritually alive in Christ. The unsaved are positionally in the flesh. The saved person is positionally in the spirit.

"Condition" refers to one's state of living. The condition of living may or may not reflect the position of the person.

11. The Cross

a. in redemption--Christ's death for us. Christ's substitutionary sacrifice for our sins. 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:6; 1 John 2:1

b. in regeneration--our death with Christ. The believer's union with Christ involved the "old man" being crucified. Now the believer's spirit is the "new man" in Christ. Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20

c. in consecration--the believer's reckoning of his union with Christ. This results in practical freedom from the authority of sin and empowerment by Christ's Life. Romans 6:11; 5:10

d. in dedication--the believer's ongoing denial of self and his acceptance of God's will and ways. Luke 9:23

e. in liberation--the believer's authority over the world system, and demonic forces through Christ's victory at Calvary. Galatians 6;14; Colossians 2:13-15; James 4:7

see Gems and Jargon., and A.E.L.M. (edited by JBW)