Pursuing HolinessSample

Christ Must Be Formed in Us

As Christians, we separate the concepts of justification and sanctification. Justification is the sinner being declared righteous by God's grace through faith, and sanctification is our striving to become righteous by grace through faith. Regeneration is birth; sanctification is growth. 

Like a mother birthing in anguish, we labor - for our sanctification and the sanctification of those we disciple... 

We "strive to enter the narrow door" (Luke 13:24).

We cleanse ourselves to be set apart as holy (2 Timothy 2:21).

We "put to death" what is earthly in us (Colossians 3:5).

We strive for holiness (Hebrews 12:14).

We "run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1-3)

We work out our salvation in fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13). 

But God gives the increase...

"We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10)

Spiritual formation requires submission to the Spirit, humility of the mind and heart before the Father and faith in Jesus Christ. As we turn from darkness to the marvelous light of Christ and encourage others to do the same, we recognize that though we work, apart from Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5). We must abide in him.

Abiding is not bearing fruit. It is not keeping commandments. Bearing fruit and keeping commandments are the natural consequences of abiding. We are to have continual faith in God's Word and the certainty of the love of Christ. When we believe that Jesus loves us and gave his life for us, we abide in him (1 John 2:24).

The daily drinking of living water from the Holy Spirit and the Word of God leads us to a satisfied abiding in Jesus that bears fruit. We ask God for this in prayer, displaying our dependence on him, and we receive help in faithful abiding through the church. Through the body, we receive Christ's instruction, encouragement, rebuke and comfort. 

Abiding in Christ means dying to self and living to God. It is a mystical and personal union with Christ. It is not optional for the believer to abide in Christ. It is necessary. It is the Christian life. At times, this involves uniting with Christ in suffering. Being united with the Holy One also requires that we no longer live in sin. 

This union of God and the believer is sure, springing from the trinitarian union of the Father, Son, and Spirit (John 14:10) as the Son obeys the Father (John 5:19) in the power of the Spirit (Acts 10:38) and the Father imparts his life to the Son (John 6:57). 

The believer is in communion with God, distinctly with each person of the godhead. We may only become holy in Christ. 

Reflection Questions

How do you know if you are abiding in Christ?

How does being united with Christ make us holy?

Why is it important to make a distinction between justification and sanctification?

Who can you encourage today to abide in Christ?