Higher life theology is commendable in some ways, but its harmful features far outweigh its positive ones:

1. Disjunction. It creates two categories of Christians (this is its primary error).

2. A form of perfectionism. It portrays a shallow and incomplete view of sin in the Christian life.

3. A form of quietism. It emphasizes passivity, not activity.

4. A form of Pelagianism. It portrays the Christian’s free will as autonomously starting and stopping sanctification.

5. Misreading. It does not interpret and apply the Bible accurately.

6. False Assurance. It assures spurious “Christians” they are saved.

7. Methodology. It uses superficial formulas for instantaneous sanctification.

8. Addiction. It fosters dependency on experiences at special holiness meetings.

9. Abuse. It frustrates and disillusions the have-nots.

10. Spin. It misinterprets personal experiences.

When we come to Christ, we are transferred into the new realm. We must, however, introduce one important qualification into this simple contrast, for the old realm does not simply cease to exist for the Christian when he or she is transferred into the new. That realm will last until Christ’s return in glory at the end of history, and it still has the ability to influence the way Christians think and act. While celebrating our new status as members of the new realm, therefore, we also must be vigilant against the insidious influence of the old realm, with its non-Christian ways of thinking and behaving.

Romans 6:1-14

BIG PICTURE: Believers who are united to Jesus participate in his victory over sin and the new life his resurrection inaugurated. Consequently, Christians are no longer “slaves to sin” (6:6) because we have been “set free” from sin and have become “slaves” to God and righteousness (6:17–22). Sin is no longer our “master” (6:14a). So be joyfully confident, Christian: God gives us hope for the future . . . but he also transforms the way we live until we attain that hope!