Ephesians 4:24
"And that ye put on the new man, which after God
is created in righteousness and true holiness."
Paul said our new self is created to be alike, in true righteousness and holiness. The Author of the Book of Hebrews stated that God disciplines us so that we may share in His holiness. Christ likeness is God's goal for all who trust in Christ and that should be our goal also.
How can we know whether we are being transformed more and more into the likeness of Christ? Start by studying Christ' character. "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity;" (Heb. 1:9a). Jesus did not just act righteously, he loved righteousness. In His humanity, He loved equity, fairness, justice, and upright dealings with others. At the same time He hated wickedness. Jesus hated sin as sin. We often hate the consequences of sin; But I suspect we seldom hate sin as sin.
Why would I say make a statement like that? Because sin is rebellious against God's authority and a defiance of His commands. Do we truly hate sin when we see in our own lives because of the despicable nature of it? To the extent we do, because we are being transformed into His likeness.
My Friends, Jesus' entire goal in His earthly life was to do the will of His Father, even though Jesus knew that He would lay His life down for His sheep. "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day," (John 6:38-40).
Amen
Reading: John 6:35-71
How can we know whether we are being transformed more and more into the likeness of Christ? Start by studying Christ' character. "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity;" (Heb. 1:9a). Jesus did not just act righteously, he loved righteousness. In His humanity, He loved equity, fairness, justice, and upright dealings with others. At the same time He hated wickedness. Jesus hated sin as sin. We often hate the consequences of sin; But I suspect we seldom hate sin as sin.
Why would I say make a statement like that? Because sin is rebellious against God's authority and a defiance of His commands. Do we truly hate sin when we see in our own lives because of the despicable nature of it? To the extent we do, because we are being transformed into His likeness.
My Friends, Jesus' entire goal in His earthly life was to do the will of His Father, even though Jesus knew that He would lay His life down for His sheep. "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day," (John 6:38-40).
Amen
Reading: John 6:35-71
Eph. 4:1-32
Ref: HGSB
Discipline of Grace
Ref: HGSB
Discipline of Grace
May God Bless You
And Your Family
Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
The Cross Life Ministry
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