A.--They appear to me to be speaking of the same thing.

B.--Look again, and think of Root and Fruit.

A.--Yes, I see, Rom. 6: 2 says "dead to sin"--that is the root, that is the dominion

which has gone. Eph. 2: 1 speaks of being "dead to sins"--that is the outcome, the result

worked out in our lives. The one is a fact once for all accomplished. The other is a goal

towards which the whole of God's gracious work is leading.

And again, Rom. 6: 6 speaks of the old man being crucified, and the body of sin

rendered inoperative, whereas Col. 3: 9 and Eph. 4: 22 speak of his "deeds" and his

"former conversation". The old man is to be "put off" by us, but not "crucified"--that is

beyond our powers, and is the sole work of the Son of God, Who loved us and gave

Himself for us.

B.--You have answered a part of your own problem in the best possible way. You have

allowed entrance to the Word that giveth light.

A.--I thank you for throwing me back upon the Word, and not upon experiences, either

your own or that of others.

B.--That question of "experiences" is one which we must deal with separately. It lies

very near to the root of a great deal of trouble. For the time being prayerfully ponder

Rom. 6: