mortification
Definition
Mortification refers to the process of dying to the “old self” — the believer who, through identification with Christ’s death, puts away the old, sin-dominated manner of life. In Noordzij’s soteriological schema, mortification is not an optional spiritual discipline but an essential component of baptism into Christ (Rom. 6:3–5). Without dying to the old life, resurrection to new life in Christ is not possible.
Usage in the Corpus
Cees Noordzij
Noordzij connects mortification directly to the third baptism — baptism into Christ Jesus:
Baptism into Christ Jesus takes place through the Holy Spirit — a transformative process toward spiritual maturity and God’s sonship, bringing mortification of the “old self” and resurrection to “new life” (Romans 6:3–5).
Mortification is the negative moment of the transformation process: the dying away of what is incompatible with Christ’s life. The positive moment is resurrection to new life. Both moments are inseparably linked — whoever dies with Christ also lives with him (Rom. 6:8). [Noordzij, What Is Baptism?, b10]
Mortification is not a once-for-all event but a continuing aspect of spiritual formation: the Holy Spirit works continually at putting off the “old man” and putting on the “new man” (Eph. 4:22–24; Col. 3:9–10).