This episode further explains the process of self-mortification in which believers know and consider themselves "dead to sin," based on the historical fact that the "old was self was crucified with Christ." (Rom. 6:6) The natural application of the death of Christ to Christian life is rejection and even mortification of the flesh's desire to manifest itself. While the old self was in fact crucified with Christ, this sin nature is still with us, and can even rule us, if we don't consider ourselves dead to sin. For this reason, Christians are called to "bear their cross," and consider themselves "dead to sin," even as the flesh is screaming to express itself, resulting in short-term pain. Consider Christ's command to those struggling with sexual temptation..."gouge out your eye and throw it far from you." (Mt. 18:9) This mortification of the flesh is not however an end in itself, but a necessary condition if we would walk in the newness of life. The whole goal of Christian sanctification is not the destruction of desire, but its reorientation and subjection to the will of God. We consequently present our members as instruments of righteousness. (Romans 8:13)
