“Paul did not think of crucifixion with Christ as a once-for-all event of the past…On the contrary, ‘I have been crucified with Christ’; that is, I have been nailed to the cross with Christ and am in that state still; I am still hanging with Christ on that cross. The implication for the process of salvation is clear; since resurrection with Christ comes at the end point, then in a sense (in terms of soteriological effect) Christ remains the crucified one until the parousia, and those crucified with Christ continue to be crucified with Christ throughout the period of overlap…God has dealt with the problem and power of sin by condemning sin in the flesh, that is, in Christ’s death.” (James D. G. Dunn, The Theology of Paul the Apostle, pgs. 485, 183)
“…always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” -2 Cr 4:10
It’s both the death and the life of Christ working in our mortal bodies as we grow in grace from glory to glory. We bear the wounds of Christ while also bearing His healing.
Thanks for posting this. I feel many of the Christians that I walk along side look at their lives through the lens of pre and post baptism. Why it may be a significant moment I see many people walk from it as if their spiritual growth has been fulfilled, which makes me think of the once-for-all mind set. I try to hang onto the idea of kenosis; that daily I have to empty myself if I want to be filled with the spirit.
I also appreciate you Gus for pointing out we bear both the wounds and the healing. So true.