Start here at the Introduction: The Journey Begins
The Journey: Part 8 - The unfamiliar road called, "Grace"
When it comes to this journey of sanctification, it is interesting to note that Paul tells us to keep a straight and careful course. (I'm paraphrasing here with my own analogy). If we veer off to the left, we will run into the ditch called, "the flesh". If we veer off to the right, we will run into the ditch called, "the law".
From these opening statements of Paul in Romans chapter 6, as well as the evidence of reproof and correction in his letters to Corinth and Galatia, it is apparent that these two "ditches" are the greatest hinderances and dangers we face as we begin to grow up in Christ. In this post, will expound on what is necessary to learn so we can stay on a straight course. In the next post, I will provide you with insights on the "ditches" that lie on both sides of the road, and also inform you of the dangers they pose to your safety and progression towards maturity in Christ.
The Road called "Grace"
Having experienced the miracle of justification by the grace of God (Titus 3:7), the life-long journey of sanctification begins. Many of you have probably begun this journey already, but how far have you managed to travel down this road? Have you experienced doing a few loops, only to find yourself back where you started? For most believers, it's a struggle to move past justification. The reason is that you were never shown the right direction to travel! You kept getting veered off onto the off-ramp that returns to the need for "self" justification again. You see, there are two things you HAVE TO learn as you leave justification. Paul, (in Romans chapter 8), tells us what happens if we learn these two lessons,
Rom.8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
No condemnation! Thats what you will experience if you keep in mind what I'm going to tell you. If you do not keep these two things in mind as you start this journey, you will find yourself doing loops and never get further down the road. So, what two things must we learn and remember for the rest of our journey?
1. The just (those who are justified) shall live by faith (Romans 1:17), and,
2. The road we are now on is called, "Grace" (2 Timothy 1:9)
So, what does this mean? What is so important about these two things?
Let's start with faith.
The justified person will live by faith. Ask yourself, (1) where does faith come from? and (2), what is so significant about faith that helps us on the journey?
Have a look at Romans 10,
Rom.10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
A simple verse, but profound for our current course! In the next post, I will elaborate on the value of this lesson by showing you how the Corinthians and Galatians so utterly failed to learn this, and what happened to them because of their ignorance. For now, as motivation, and to answer question #1 above, understand that faith, which keeps you safe, and keeps you connected to God's grace, comes from the Word. Friends, we have to keep our noses in "the Book", we have to study the Word daily, we have to energize our spiritual minds! Regarding question #2, the Bible is the inspired Word of God. The words
Can I remind you again; this road is different! You are not in the driver's seat! If you are, get used to looping around again, because all your flesh can do is go in circles! It does not know the way!
And what about this road of "Grace"?
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
The road we are on is called "Grace". It is God's road. It can only be navigated by adhering to the instructions provided by God. I like to think of it as a dark desert road at midnight. All you have is a small torch that lights up a few meters of path ahead of you. Ther rest is pitch black! The Word is the torch, a light to our feet (Psalm 119:105), so we can advance forwards, slowly and safely, by the instructions of God.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
All other roads you have navigated before this one called, "Grace", were wide and well lit. You could easily see all around you, and you could travel wherever you wanted, but each would lead to self-appeasement, looping around to condemnation, and ultimately to vanity, fulfilling no purpose and having no reward.
In Summary
I cannot overemphasize the two points above. We need to keep reminding ourselves of these so that it engrafts itself into our being! If we keep these in remembrance, it will quickly highlight to us if we veer off course. The flesh is strong, and it seeks its own glory and accomplishments. The road we travel now is different to what we have been travelling our whole life before! This one does not span out in the direction we want to go according to our will and desires. No, the one we are on now leads in the direction of God's will and eternal purpose for us.
The miracle of justification sets us on an incredible course, but we will quickly learn that our sanctification, that experience of righteousness in life, can only be brought to the believer through grace, not the performance of the flesh! It's incredible to know that God gave us righteousness in life, but the key is to have it become operative in our lives. That righteousness must be flowing out of us in an active way, so that it brings forth Christ in us, to glorify God and reconcile others to Him who see Christ shining out of our lives.
I look forward to your company on the next post.
God bless.
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