Living Beyond Our Past History

“Free to fly—living beyond the cage of my past.”

In today’s devotional from Abide Above, C.A. Coates beautifully contrasts two foundational realities for believers—our life in Adam versus our new life in Christ. Romans 7 vividly portrays the struggle of one who discovers through the law the miserable truth of life lived independently in Adam, filled with defeat and bondage. But Romans 8 offers a breathtaking picture of liberation: the believer who joyfully lives out the reality of being "in Christ," set free from the relentless cycle of sin and death by the powerful principle of "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus."

The essence of the devotional centers around the profound truth that God has decisively ended our identity in Adam through the cross of Jesus Christ. Our "old man" wasn't merely forgiven or improved; he was utterly condemned and brought to an end in Christ’s death. Jesus, who knew no sin, fully absorbed our condemnation. When He died, our old identity as descendants of Adam died with Him, permanently closing the chapter on our past history as beings trapped in sin and separated from God.

In place of our former identity, God has graciously given us Christ as our new Head. Just as surely as our history in Adam ended at Calvary, our new history began at the empty tomb. We now live fully and gloriously in Him, no longer bound to the patterns of self-driven striving but empowered to live out His divine life through us. In Christ, our lives are no longer centered around ourselves, but joyously surrendered to the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice (Scripture)

My dear child, I have loved you with an everlasting love, drawing you gently into My presence by My unfailing kindness. You are not who you once were, for your old self was crucified with Christ so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with. You are no longer enslaved by sin, for the one who has died with Christ is set free. If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, all things have become new.

I made Him who had no sin to be sin for you, so that in Him you might become My righteousness. You have been raised with Christ, seated in heavenly places, far above all principalities and powers. Now set your heart on things above, where Christ is seated at My right hand. Your life is now hidden with Christ in Me, and when Christ, who is your life, appears, you will appear with Him in glory.

There is no condemnation for you, My beloved, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made you free from the law of sin and death. You now live by faith in the Son of God, who loves you and gave Himself for you. Walk in the newness of life I have provided, confident that I am the one at work in you, both to will and to act according to My good purpose.

Remember, you did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to bear lasting fruit. You are Mine forever, transformed from glory to glory into the likeness of My Son. Your past in Adam no longer defines you, for Christ Himself is your life, your peace, your hope, and your eternal joy.

(Jeremiah 31:3, Romans 6:6-7, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 2:6, Colossians 3:1-4, Romans 8:1-2, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:13, John 15:16, 2 Corinthians 3:18)

Prayer

Father, thank You for completely freeing me from my past identity in Adam. I rejoice in the truth that You have already crucified my old self with Christ, forever ending that chapter of my life. Today, I rest confidently in the assurance that You have placed me securely and permanently in Christ, seated in heavenly places. You have fully provided every spiritual blessing I need in Him. In the joy and freedom of this reality, I yield myself fully to Your indwelling presence, trusting You alone to live Your life through me moment by moment. Thank You for Your matchless grace and abundant love, which empower me to live solely for Your glory. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

Insights adapted from "None But The Hungry Heart," Abide Above, March 17.
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