If we continue to obey our sinful nature we will slay our spiritual life. Since we no longer are under the Law of Moses but under the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ, sin no longer can force our obedience. The Law of Moses only exposed our sin and then provided an animal sacrifice to make an atonement. The law of the Spirit of Life in Christ guides us and empowers us step by step so we can overcome all the works of Satan.

In the present hour we are kept by God's power as we look to Christ in faith. But there is coming a salvation in which the very presence of sin shall be removed from us.

Who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (I Peter 1:5)

Notice carefully the following passage:

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:27,28)

There is coming a second appearing of Christ. From our point of view, and we will explain the basis for our viewpoint later, the appearing mentioned here is not the coming of Christ in the clouds of glory but a coming to "bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him."

When we consider the eighth through tenth chapters of the Book of Hebrews, the context of the above passage, we understand the salvation that is coming will result in a taking away of our sins, that which the blood of bulls and goats was not able to accomplish.

Notice also:

Who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:14)

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)

There is coming a day of redemption, a time when the Lord Jesus, who has been seated at the right hand of the Father, will arise and His enemies shall be made His footstool. Then we shall be free from the presence of sin. More than that, because we are free from sin we shall be filled with the Spirit of God without measure.

We have not been completely saved until our spirit, soul, and body are totally free from the guilt, power, presence, and effects of sin, and our spirit, soul, and body are totally filled with the Spirit of God. In addition to this complete salvation, the Father and the Son will be resident in our personality for the eternity of eternities.

From then on, moment by moment, we shall be growing in the image and knowledge of God.

To be continued.