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celebrating Self vs crucifying Self

Christ_empowered

Christ_empowered

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OK. I've been pondering, and I think...well, I'm thinking the big difference between other religions and Christianity is that Christianity demands that we die to self daily, while many other religions (I'm thinking of the various flavors of paganism, in particular) celebrate self and human nature. What do y'all think?

I guess Buddhism would be an exception, but...Buddhism to me is more a sort of ancient psychotherapy and philosophy than a religion. Maybe I'm wrong.
 
CE,
Almost all religions teach self-denial and the rewards of self-denial. The HUGE difference is that Bible Christianity teaches that self-denial will not get you to Heaven. It is only the imputed righteousness of Christ and the cleansing power of His blood which avails.
 
now that I think about it...I'm taking Roman History in a bit. I already have the book. Its funny...the Romans started out big on self-denial, family, honor, etc....and then their society crumbled into debauchery and self-love :-( . So...yeah...you're right.

Its like this painting I've seen....The Cross serving as a bridge over Hell. Makes sense now.
 
Self denial and self hatred are applicable to Christianity. How so? Understanding the matters do not save us. But the understanding IS beneficial, spiritually speaking. We are to have, as the Apostles show us, a NO CONFIDENCE vote for our own flesh. That is not something that everyone can take on or understand, as some will falsely see it. We are justified by faith in Christ through the Grace and Mercy we need, because of our contrary to the Spirit flesh. That is the promise of the Gospel. That we will be changed from the present "vile body." Phil. 3:21. But in the mean time, we ARE strapped with it. That's "natural life."

We hold the promise of change in this earthen vessel. And that change is continually happening, from Grace to Grace we ARE changed until that change is completed. And it is His Grace we bear and bring to those we engage with on earth.

Philippians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
 
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