Once our souls are saved from “dead works,” we begin our Christian journey. The way to the cross happens when the Holy Spirit reveals the deep things of God to our human spirit. Our spirit then teaches our soul and our body how to follow God (Ephesians 1:18, Galatians 5:16).
Our soul is made up of our imagination, thoughts, mind, will, and emotions. Until the soul is fully taught and chooses—both consciously and naturally—to follow God’s will, we will continue to live according to our own selfish desires or the influence of evil spirits (Galatians 5:16, Romans 12:2).
We often hear the phrase “die to the flesh.” However, we cannot truly experience this death until the Holy Spirit gives light to our human spirit, which then educates our soul (Romans 6:12-13).
In short, the path to the cross means our soul must learn to respond completely to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we do this, we will no longer give in to sinful human desires (Romans 6:12-13, Romans 12:2).