AN IMPORTANT DISTINCTION

The wisdom of the fathers

AN IMPORTANT DISTINCTION

It is very important to make a distinction between the flesh on our bones, and having the flesh in the mind and heart. Right here is the sandbar on which thousands run aground and wreck their experience, because they will not discern between the physical flesh which forms our bodies, and the moral flesh which pollutes the mind and heart. So many will argue that because we have flesh in our bodies, we never can be saved from fleshly desires and impurities.

The Apostle Paul uses the word flesh in both senses, but he is the only inspired writer that uses the word flesh in a theological sense to signify sinful passions in the heart and mind. He says, "They that are in the flesh cannot please God," and then adds, "but you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit," addressing purified believers.

Now anyone knows that the people he addresses were living in their bodies, and had flesh on their bones, and that their flesh still retained all the senses and appetites belonging to the body, but all fleshly hankering for improper pleasures had been purged out of their desires, and out of their intentions, and out of their voluntary thinking, so that their spiritual lives were free from sinful passions and fleshly affections.

It is amazing that so many Christians are so dull in their perceptions as to be unable to discern between thus having the flesh in your body, and not having the desire of the flesh in your hearts and minds. Complete salvation from the flesh is to have a heart that does not desire any bodily pleasure except what is in harmony with God's word, and to entertain no thoughts of fleshly pleasure with relish in the mind. This is the only way to live in perfect peace, when the mind entertains no willing purpose or intent of fleshly evil.

(from "The Bridehood Saints"? by George D. Watson)