The fudamental dynamic in understanding "participation" in Paul is, that participation isn’t always good. There is nothing intrinsicaly good about cooperating as such. In fact, in Paul’s account of sin, he describes precisely such an immoral ethic. Parallel to his clear description of participation in Christ and the mind of Christ, there is an account of participation in sin, the Body of sin and its "debased mind" (1,28). The Body of sin also functions as a rival unity, a perverse system of participation. This is sin’s role in Romans. How do we properly engage the nous (mind) or choose rationally, present the fundamental question of participation. Universality of sin demands universality of salvation. The Body of sin contains works of the flesh. Works or fruits of the flesh are in direct contrary against God. They are mortal inasmuch as it is subject to sin and therefore subject to death, the consort of sin. Sin rules under the law and present the law of sin and death. Dominion of Christ and participation in Christ condemned the Body of sin. Everyone, who participate in Christ, really live for God, in Jesus Christ. Present view of participation in Christ is suffering with Christ, where the central role present the Spirit. Gift of Spirit is primary goal in Christian life. The belivers have set their minds on the ways of the Spirit, which is precisely what makes them so incompatible with life in the flesh. Belivers must be transformed by the renewing of their minds (nous) by the Spirit, who present the eshatological dimensions of new life.
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