The phrase “crucify the old man” is not poetic fluff; it’s a spiritual instruction. Romans 6:6 says:
"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."
The “old man” refers to the sin nature inherited from Adam. It’s the nature that causes pride, lies, envy, sexual immorality, addiction, unforgiveness, malice, and rebellion. When we come to Christ, that nature must be nailed to the cross.
Crucifying the old man is not a one-time altar call. It is a daily decision. Jesus said:
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
You don’t crucify your flesh with pretty words—you do it by surrender, discipline, and yielding to the Holy Spirit. Every time you choose love over anger, purity over lust, humility over pride—you are crucifying the old man.
Some want the crown but not the cross. But the glory only comes after death to self.
Pastor Nnamdi Ogbechie once wrote a stirring poem:
If Jesus Christ is a man—And only a man I sayThat of all mankind I cleave to him,And to him will I cleave always.
If Jesus Christ is a God—And the only God,I swear I will follow him through heaven and hell,The earth, the sea, the air!
This declaration reflects a heart that has settled the matter: Jesus is not just one of many, He is everything.
Jesus was not either/or; He was both God and man. The Bible says:
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
His sinless life, sacrificial death, and resurrection make it possible for us to walk in victory. But to access that victory, we must crucify our old ways.
So let us not pamper the flesh. Let us not excuse what God wants us to execute. The flesh cannot be rehabilitated—it must be crucified.