Growing in Christ
All believers, by virtue of their union with Christ, are progressively transformed into his image.[1] Although the ruling power of sin in our lives has been broken, remnants of corruption remain in our hearts that we will fight throughout our lives.[2] This lifelong process of growth takes place as the Spirit empowers us to abide in Christ and strive for holiness in every area of life.[3] Resting in Christ’s finished work never renders our effort unnecessary but rather enables the joyful pursuit of loving and pleasing God.[4] Compelled by grace, believers grow in the knowledge of God, obey Christ’s commands, walk by the Spirit, mortify sin, and pursue God’s priorities and purposes.[5] Although such actions are not the ground of our salvation, they demonstrate the authenticity of our salvation and are a means by which God keeps us faithful to the end.[6] Among the many public and private means of grace, the Word of God, prayer, and fellowship are primary instruments of our sanctification,[7] fostering communion with God and training us together to glorify him, love others, and testify to Christ in the world.[8]
Waiting for Christ
Living the Christian life involves longing[9] and waiting for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.[10] Although believers are new creations in Christ and presently enjoy the blessings of his resurrection power,[11] their sanctification remains partial and incomplete in this life.[12] Furthermore, they continue to live in mortal bodies in a creation subject to futility,[13] opposed by the world,[14] the flesh,[15] and the devil.[16] The Word of God assures us that we are his beloved children,[17] yet such an assurance does not remove the reality of suffering, sorrow, and persecution in this present age.[18] The gospel enables us to rejoice in the midst of tribulations,[19] assured that his purposes are working for our good even in circumstances we do not understand.[20] Fixing our eyes on Jesus, we endure in faith and abound in hope,[21]confident that a day is fast approaching when sin and sorrow will be no more.[22]
[1] Rom 6:5-11; 2 Cor 3:18; Rev 19:8.
[2] Gal 5:16-18; 1 Pet 2:11.
[3] John 15:4-8; Gal 5:16-26; Heb 12:14.
[4] Ps 37:5, 40:8; John 15:11; Rom 6:1-4; 12:1-2; Eph 5:10; Phil 1:25; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Pet 1:13-19.
[5] Mark 12:30-31; John 15:10; Rom 8:4; 1 Cor 10:31; 2 Cor 4:6; Col 3:5-6; 1 John 5:2-3.
[6] Matt 25:31-46; Eph 2:8-10; Heb 3:12-14; 6:9-12; 10:19-27.
[7] John 6:63; 17:17; Acts 2:42; Eph 4:15; 6:18; Col 3:16; 1 Thess 2:13-14; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Jude 20-21.
[8] Matt 5:8; 1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:12-14; 1 Pet 2:9-12.
[9] Rom 8:19, 23, 36; 1 Cor 16:22; 2 Cor 5:2.
[10] Titus 2:13; Jude 21; Rev 22:20.
[11] John 5:24; 6:47; Rom 6:2-5; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 1:19-20.
[12] Phil 3:12; 1 Thess 5:23; 1 John 1:8; 3:2.
[13] Eccles 3:11, 14; Rom 8:20-23; 2 Cor 5:1-4; 1 Cor 15:53.
[14] 1 John 2:16; 5:19.
[15] Gal 5:17.
[16] Eph 6:10-12; Jas 4:7; 1 Pet 5:8-9.
[17] Rom 8:17; Gal 4:5-6; 1 John 3:2.
[18] John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:36; 1 Pet 3:14, 17; 4:19.
[19] Rom 5:3; 8:23; 12:12; 2 Cor 5:2, 4; Col 1:24; 1 Pet 4:13.
[20] Isa 43:1-3; Lam 3:21-24; Rom 8:28; Phil 1:6.
[21] Rom 12:12; 15:13; 2 Cor 1:6; 2 Tim 2:12; Heb 12:1-3; 1 Pet 2:19-20.
[22] Isa 25:8; 35:10; 51:11; Rev 7:17; 21:4.