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Explain how each of the following New Covenant provisions can contribute to the relief of the holy tension in our souls: New Purity, New Identity. New Inclination, and New Power.
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Understanding the NEW nature we have as described by soul care in different categories is helpful in an application sense. I like how it’s broken down and we can split our focus depending on which we possibly struggle more with. The idea would be if we can grasp, take hold of, and apply each of those internally to that holy tension described- we could be transformed more into His image. This is a wonderful and practical way to start that process by changing your thinking in each area.
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I liked the point of becoming a “saint who sins”, not, say, an alcoholic but a saint who struggles with alcohol, someone inclined to see God first and draw on his power
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The New Purity provision says that I’m saved by the death of Jesus Christ for my sins. I did nothign to earn this, but it is a beautiful, free gift. If I grasp this powerful grace, it becomes the impetus to live in the light of God’s calling, to sin less and bring glory to Him.
My New Identity- We now identify not according to our circumstance- a widow, divorcee or abuser, but as the precious, priceless daughter/son of the Most High King. Love touches my soul more deeply than evil. I am loved by Jesus.
Inclination is the pivotal point accoring to Dr. Crabb. Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 36 says that we have been given new hearts that desire to do what the law requires. The law didn’t change in content, only in location; it’s now in my heart, prompting me to grow and mature because my deepest desires are for God above all else. Indulgence in the Spirit is my new inclination.
And lastly, I have a New Power. The Spirit of God is living in my soul and during a soul care conversation, there’s a mystical transaction that takes place in the person receiving soul care from the soul carer so she can feel and explosion that makes her want , more than anything, to move toward the vision for which God has created them. -
These New Covenant provisions set us up for walking with God. Christ’s sacrifice gives us a new purity because he took our sins upon himself to cleanse us and give us peace as we see in Isaiah 53:5,
‘But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him,’
Being cleansed also brings us joy and gratitude.
We have a new identity. Christians are no longer drug addicts or alcoholics, but Christians with a drug problem or Christians who have a problem with alcohol. The identity of being a Christian comes first and testifies to what God has done and is doing in our lives.
Our new inclination is to follow God’s ways and do what he desires because we are grateful for his love and that he is personally involved in our lives. We want him to be pleased with us and to receive glory from who we are. This means the flesh cannot pull us towards sin as easily.
The new power is the power of God’s Spirit to ‘instruct you and teach you concerning the path you should walk,’ as the Bible says in Psalm 32. -
New purity: I am covered by the blood of Christ. I am not covered in my sin. To believe the latter is to believe a lie.
New identity: I am no longer a slave to my sin. I am not Owned by that master. My identity is as a favored daughter, in the kingdom of my Father.
New inclination: my drives are to be in His courts, aligned with His works, and resting in His presence rather than striving to stop my pain, or chase pleasure, achievement or relationships.
New power: I have Authority in Christ. The same power they raised Jesus from the dead is living within me, transforming my flesh, renewing my mind, softening my heart and speaking Truth to my strongholds.