The Word of God is full of examples of cycles, cycles can be a period of time in which certain phenomena occur. One example of this is the cycle that the earth makes around the sun every 365 days, we call this cycle a year. In the spirit realm there are also cycles, however, in the spirit there is no time. But there are beginnings and endings that begin and complete cycles. Without a doubt cycles have a purpose, for example consider electricity, in order for a light bulb to give illumination the electricity must complete it’s cycle. The beginning of the cycle starts at the hydroelectric plant , it moves through the transmission lines to your home, then you flip a switch that sends the electricity to your light bulb , it then passes through the wires in the bulb producing light and then returns through another wire back into the transmission system completing the circuit.
The spiritual laws that govern these cycles operate all the time, either for our benefit or against us.
Let’s look first at the law of sin and death.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. NKJV
The Apostle James, the Lord’s brother, explains the progression of the cycle from beginning to end.
James 1:12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. NLT
The fruit of sin, is the same exact cycle that works in the law of sowing and reaping.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. KJV
The cycle is man’s lust, which produces sin and the fruit of sin is death, which is separation from God. The cycle therefore is complete. We see this cycle first in the Garden of Eden. Sin produces shame, shame produces gilt, gilt produces condemnation.
Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”
2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid {ashamed} because I was naked; and I hid myself.” 11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” 12 Then the man said,”The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” 13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said,”The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” NKJV
In order for God to break this cycle of sin and death, He had to deal with sin on two levels. The level of sins{ plural } as sinful acts against Him. And sin { singular } as our sin nature. Even in the Garden of Eden, a blood sacrifice was made to cover their nakedness or shame. Under the Law of Moses there was corresponding sin offerings for every transgression.
Heb 2: 1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, NKJV
Under the New Testament through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the sin nature is deal with.
2 Cor 5: 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him . NKJV
When the cycle of the Law of Sin and Death is broken a new cycle begins.
Rom 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. NKJV
Our Lives should reflect the knowledge of our new nature:
Righteousness which means to be in right relationship with God.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. NKJV
Peace
Rom 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Joy
Jude 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, { backsliding } And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, NKJV