addressing the false teaching of “daily dying to self,” part 2
Part 1 was an introduction to the topic of “daily dying to self,” partly to respond to a blog post, plus I had the privilege of providing a platform for my husband.
But Part 2 will begin looking at the Scriptures that don’t teach “daily dying to self.” First off . . .
Jesus said “Deny yourself . . . take up your cross [daily, in Luke] . . . and follow Me.” (Matt 16:24-28, Mark 8:34-38, Luke 9:23-27)
Some have said that Christ’s “take up your cross” command is the same as “die to yourself,” which should be done daily, they say, because of the command in Luke. But—besides the fact that I’ve never understood why we would want to substitute a non-Biblical expression when there’s already a Biblical one that works just fine—context is always important when we’re seeking to understand Scriptures. So . . .
To whom was Christ speaking? It was to the crowds who were following Him but not really following Him.
There are three kinds of “following” in the New Testament. One means “imitate.” (Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”) One means “chase after.” (Peter said, “Follow peace with all men.”) But this kind means “to join with as a disciple.”
So why was Jesus saying “follow Me” to a crowd who was already following Him? Most of them “chased after” Him primarily for the food and miracles He provided. But He was telling them that truly following Him would be far more radical than that.
“Deny yourself,” He said. Essentially, make that radical decision to turn your back on—say “no” to—your former life in order to join Me as My disciple. Then, “take up your cross [daily, in Luke]” to be willing and ready to die. That is, die physically, as He ultimately did.
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This article has now been truncated because it has been editing and incorporated into the book . You can find that book here.
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Go here to download your free Guide, How to Enjoy the Bible Again (when you’re ready) After Spiritual Abuse (without feeling guilty or getting triggered out of your mind). You’ll receive access to both print and audio versions of the Guide (audio read by me). I’m praying it will be helpful.
I have read and re-read your articles. THANK YOU. I’ve become so accustomed to a god who is a tyrant, who only protects the rights and safety of men. It took my panic attacks and other health issues to wake me up to the fact that what I’ve been led to believe is wrong. I understand why people walk away from God now. I’m still recovering from so much damage and trauma, but reading these words give me hope. I hope to one day see God as loving, as I used to.
Hopeful, this is where my heart is, and why I’m writing, always with the wounded and oppressed in mind. There is much life to be lived, and much peace and rest to be found, which Jesus promised, after all.
When you’re recovered and the Lord brings you to the other side of your valley of grief, you’ll be able to see Him in a bigger and more meaningful way than you did before you went down into the valley. The end can actually be *better* than the beginning. I’m praying for you, that the glimmers of light you see now will become a blaze of day.
Wow. I have…literally never heard/read this before. Thank you. So… I should be *reckoning* myself dead to sin every day instead of dying to it ….that sure sounds a whole lot easier!!! Thank you so much for being willing to be the a voice that goes against the tide, even the tide of crushing, popular Christianity.