The goal of the Christian life, and thus the goal of biblical counseling, is to be increasingly conformed to the life of Christ (Ephesians 4:15; Romans 8:29). Paul expresses the desire of any true believer when he writes, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…” (Philippians 3:10). What a glorious experience it would be to feel within ourselves the resurrection power of God!
There’s just one problem. There is a prerequisite to resurrection. Death. Paul continues his sentence above by saying that the path to experiencing resurrection power is “being conformed to His death.”
In order to live like Christ, we must die like Christ.
Jesus’ Call to Die
While Jesus walked with His disciples, He repeatedly taught that “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34). This command is well understood as leaving behind the old life and starting a new life.
But on one occasion, Jesus used one additional word that should provoke our thinking on the matter: “if anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
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