Which action describes sanctification's effect on the old man?

• A. Elevates
• B. Exposes
• C. Crucifies
• D. Empowers

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that sanctification deals with putting the old, sinful nature to death. In Scripture, the old man represents that Adamic, flesh-bound part of us. When sanctification works in us, it crucifies that old nature—dying to its power so sin no longer rules, and we live by the Spirit to God. This is why Romans 6:6 speaks of the old man being crucified with Christ, so that the body of sin might be destroyed. Elevating the old man would mean strengthening the very thing sanctification is intended to defeat; exposing sin happens as a truth we acknowledge, but it doesn’t capture the decisive act of breaking its dominion. Empowers would imply giving more strength to the old nature, which contradicts the aim of holiness. So the action described is crucifying the old man.