When we are redeemed by the blood of Christ at the moment of salvation lots of things happen. Part of what happens is that we are then unified in Christ in His crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, ascention and then hidden with Him. Our position is in and with Christ. Immediately. However, while our position is sealed with Christ, our righteousness set to 100% (called ‘imputed’ in theological circles) our condition is altered but is not completed like our position. Our condition is subject to the flesh (Romans 7:15) which tries to gain back the hold that it once had. We are given a new nature that is alive and not separated from God (Genesis 3).

Our old nature has died with Christ (positionally) and it no longer has permanent hold over us. However, it still likes to remind us that we’re living in a ‘sin suit.’ God, by His grace, has given us the Holy Spirit to lead us in righteous living. The Holy Spirit allows us to abide in Him for God’s glory (Ephesians 2:10). He allows us to bring our condition to a place that matches our position.

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Take a look at Romans 12:2 and Colossians 3:5.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Colossians 3:5

Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.

You’ll note that in both place Paul writes about the process or experience of our sanctification. Sanctification is the setting aside of something for God. Positionally we’re sanctified, conditionally, we are being sanctified. The renewal of our minds calls for constant progress and work. We replace the thinking of the world with the mind of Christ (Read Romans 1 for a clear picture of the contrast of the two ways of thinking).

Conclusion
This concept is so vital for the young believer because it helps clarify why they’re still able to sin as well as giving hope! The consequences of sin in our earthly lives are not removed (actions beget reactions), however, the heavenly consequences are cleared and God’s wrath is gone because it was poured out on Christ on the cross. While we may still sin, we are able to live righteously because the Holy Spirit enables us to grow as we renew our minds.