The Cross Experience Comes Before the Abiding

The Spirit of truth does not dwell where sin still reigns

Sin must die on the cross with Christ before the Spirit of truth will dwell and abide in us. Yet sin is one of the most sensitive subjects—guilt, desperation, shame, and fear often accompany it. Few understand its scriptural definition: “Sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). Which law? The Ten Commandments. Everyone has broken this law, yet Scripture says it “is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful” (1 Tim. 1:9).

Breaking the Ten Commandments is sin. Sin is not merely shuffling one’s feet on a sawdust floor or failing to attend a Sunday service. The law consists of ten commandments, and “He added no more” (Deut. 5:22). Many born‑again Christians call faults sin, and this frustrates their walk. Impatience, irritability, or personal shortcomings are faults—things we are growing through—but they are not violations of the Ten Commandments. Sin is a heart condition. Righteousness is a heart condition as well.

We are delivered from the old sinful nature by being crucified with Christ, our sacrificial Lamb. When He died, our old nature died with Him.

The Cross Removes Sin’s Power

Believers must be able to explain salvation from sin as Paul taught: “Our old man is crucified with Christ, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin” (Rom. 6:6–7). Christ took all our sins upon Himself, and when He died, our old sinful selves died, were buried, and were raised with Him into newness of life. By believing in Christ’s cross experience, our own cross experience becomes real.

Why do so few teachers explain this? Either they do not know the apostle’s teachings, or they do not believe them. Yet believing them is how we are translated from darkness into light (Rom. 6:6–12).

A new heart must be received before deeper things can grow within. Christ spoke of sin and repentance repeatedly. Conviction of sin is universal. Concerning the Comforter, He said, “When the Spirit of truth is come, He will reprove [convict] the world of sin…” (John 16:8).

He also said, “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak [excuse] for their sin” (John 15:22). His words removed every excuse. People must be confronted with their sin so they can recognize guilt and repent. Now we are to be like Him and speak of sin to the people. Christ promises, “The Spirit of truth… shall be in you” (John 14:17).

Throughout John 15 and 16, He warns that the world will hate and persecute His followers. Why? Because He commands us to let our light shine and reprove the world of sin. Man’s old nature does not want its darkness exposed by the light now in us.

Conclusion: The Cross Opens the Way to Abiding

The thesis is simple: the Abiding of the Spirit within us cannot begin until the Cross has done its work. Yahweh’s abiding presence is reserved for hearts cleansed of transgression and freed from the old nature. The Spirit of truth does not dwell where sin still reigns. But once the Cross destroys the “body of sin,” the believer becomes a vessel capable of receiving the abiding presence of Yahweh.

The Abiding is not an isolated spiritual experience; it is the fruit of crucifixion with Christ. When sin is removed, the Spirit enters. When the old nature dies, the new life begins. When the Cross is believed, the Abiding becomes possible. Thus, the Cross experience is not merely preparation, it is the doorway into the abiding life. Only those freed from sin can truly dwell in Him, and He in them. [For much more go here:  sin | Search Results | Immortality Road ]  Kenneth Wayne Hancock