Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8400 The tasks of the believer  »  8451 mortification

The act of self-denial or the “putting to death” of sinful instincts in order to have freedom from sin and to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. The NT stresses that this act of humiliation comes about through the grace of God. It is the result of, not the condition for, conversion.

Examples of mortification through humility

2 Samuel 10:1-5 See also Matthew 27:3-5

Examples of mortification through self-denial

Leviticus 16:29-31 See also Exodus 19:15; Leviticus 23:27-32; Numbers 29:7

Mortification as the basis for discipleship

Self-denial is essential

Mark 8:34-35 pp Matthew 16:24-25 pp Luke 9:23-24 See also 1 John 3:16

The necessity of putting to death sinful human nature and the world's values

Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5 See also Matthew 5:29-30; Galatians 5:24; Galatians 6:14; 1 Peter 2:11

Dying to self is a means of knowing freedom from sin

Romans 6:6-7 See also Ephesians 4:22-23

The importance of sharing in the death of Christ

Galatians 2:20 See also Romans 6:3; Romans 7:4; 2 Corinthians 4:11-12; Philippians 3:10; Colossians 2:20; 2 Timothy 2:11

The example of Paul

1 Corinthians 9:27 See also 2 Corinthians 11:23-33; Galatians 6:17

Mortification is not the same as self-infliction

Colossians 2:23 See also Philippians 3:2-3; Colossians 2:20-22; 1 Timothy 4:1-5

See also

5879  humiliation
5947  shame
6030  sin, avoidance
6166  flesh, sinful nature
6658  freedom
8114  discipleship
8429  fasting
8475  self-denial
8477  self-examination