The new covenant is different from the old. Under the old covenant sin was forgiven by the shedding of animal blood. Under the new covenant sin is forgiven by the shedding of the blood of the Lamb of God, Christ. Then—and here is an important difference between the two covenants—sin is removed from us. The Holy Spirit has been given to us in place of the Law of Moses that we might not only be warned of our sin and forgiven but actually delivered from it. There is power in the Holy Spirit of God, working through the authority of the blood of Jesus, to deliver us from every sin.

As we put to death the sins of our flesh, the sins that have made the earth a cesspool, we grow in eternal life. As we learn to live by the power of eternal life, and are willing to share the sufferings of Christ as we labor in the Kingdom of God, we attain the out-resurrection from the dead.

We put our sins to death by confessing them and renouncing them. The Holy Spirit guides us from problem area to problem area. He sends suffering on us to burn the sin out of us. He expects us to present our body a living sacrifice, turning away from the world and its influence. We are in the world but not of the world; therefore we should not spend much of our time on the television, the Internet, sports, politics, money, or any of the other idols of this world. We are to use the world but not abuse it.

We are to read the Scriptures, pray, serve in the assembly of the saints, desire spiritual gifts that we may build up our fellow members of the Body, give of our money, assist the poor and needy, and do all else the Bible recommends.

If we will do all in our power, as did the Apostle Paul, to live by the Lord's resurrection power, and are willing to share His sufferings as we give ourselves for the Kingdom of God, then we will attain the first resurrection from the dead.

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Romans 8:13)

What are some of the "deeds of the body"? The New Testament contains many lists of the sins of the flesh. In fact, the main subject of the New Testament is a warning to Christians to crucify their flesh with its passions and appetites and to put on the new man of righteous, holy behavior. If our righteous behavior does not surpass that of the Scribes and Pharisees we cannot enter the Kingdom of God.

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:29-32)

To be continued.