GROWING UP IN THE LORD

“‘I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me,’” (Galatians 2:20, NASB).

What is the goal of the Christian life? Paul expresses it this way: “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified,” (Romans 8:29-30, NASB). This is called sanctification, and it has several stages.

First comes salvation – our redemption from sinfulness through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. What results is forgiveness of sin, which lets us have a relationship with God.

Next, God gives us opportunity to serve. We were created to do good works in Jesus’ name.

Then comes frustrated inadequacy. This is a necessary part of the journey and can last varying amounts of time. Though difficult, this phase is beautiful because it leads us into total dependence on Jesus, which is the best part of our spiritual life. And it is what brings us closer to our ultimate goal: becoming a reflection of Christ.

Sadly, many Christians don’t reach a point of complete reliance on the Lord. Paul reminds us to “…press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 3:14, NASB). Learning to die to self is painful, but ironically, it’s the only true way to life.

~Jeff