The body is body of sin (Rom. vi. 6).
To allow it to rule means death. Where it reigns there are visible: bitterness, lying, pride, vanity, selfishness, anger, lust. The body can be held in subjection but only in one way, viz., by the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. When heat is brought to bear upon metal, its appearance becomes changed; remove the heat, and the metal gradually returns to its normal condition. So it is with the body.
Just so long as the influence of the Bible is allowed to operate upon it is it kept under. Remove that influence and the flesh again asserts itself. The flesh is naturally powerful and asserting. God is testing it by means of the flesh. Happy is the man who knows and realises this. He is on his guard God could create impeccable and immortal beings straight away. He does not do so because He requires character; and character is developed by contact with evil.
The Christadelphian, Aug 1887
[‘contact with evil’ ie. obedience under trial]
