None of us has reached the pinnacle of our salvation. We can simplify salvation in this manner: Justification (past activity of God on our behalf) > Sanctification (present activity of God on our behalf) > Glorification (full act of God on our behalf). Because we are living in the process of sanctification we should be well aware that we are not yet fully what we could be or should be. We still sin. We wrestle with the world and the flesh. We fail to properly resist the devil and, therefore suffer consequences in unnecessary defeats. No, we are not yet glorified but…we have certainly been justified. It is because of our justification that we are no longer what we once were, nor are we what others who have not been justified currently are. We are most definitely new creations, though clearly imperfect for the time being. In spite of the reality of our current imperfections, the letter from the Apostle James (see chapter 2:14-26) reminds us that a valid inward-faith undeniably flows with outward actions. It is not that we are saved by our good works but, rather, that our good works evidence our true salvation.
So today I think it would serve us well to create two lists that will enable us to 1) be encouraged by God’s gracious transforming of our lives and 2) to be humbled that there are acknowledged areas of further change needed within us.
List #1 – Celebration: Take some time to write down areas wherein you clearly see the evidence of your faith resulting in good works. It may be that you have been made generous. It might be an inner thirst for prayer or a love for the Word. Perhaps you have experienced the eagerness to forgive others or that you have been graced to serve anonymously behind the scenes with no desire for credit. You may never want to preach or sing but you have a zeal for sending a card, making a phone call or offering a meal to those in need. Don’t minimize the reality that you have been made to endure through heavy trials and testings – that is solid evidence of a life which is being transformed. What evidence is there in your life that God has made you new? What can you celebrate as His gracious work in and through you? Be thorough and patient and welcome God to show you how He has changed you since you received Jesus Christ by faith. Celebrate the good works that He has given as evidence of His saving you. Be grateful, humbled and powerfully blessed that the Potter’s hands are actively working your clay.
List #2 – Hope: Not as enjoyable to create as the first, this list should focus on areas where your faith should be revealed more clearly. Don’t avoid the conviction here but rather embrace it as God’s nudging that herein is opportunity to bring Him further glory. Are their places in your life which are not yet aligned with the character and counsel of God? Let me answer that for you: YES. Become honest and proactive about these places in your life. This list might include your need to invest more energy in personal service to others. You may discover a reluctance to exhibit faith in your financial giving, relying on the presumed security of keeping instead of the joy of releasing. Perhaps you struggle with fear of embarking on new opportunities which will test your trust in God. Are you nursing a grudge against someone else? Jesus spoke of the reality of your light being potentially hidden under a basket of some sort; you have not allowed that to occur have you? Many are afraid to give verbal witness for Jesus as they wrestle with the notion that they are ashamed on some level of being a follower of Christ. Every Christian has space to grow and this will be reality for us as long as we are in this body and on this planet. You are being sanctified – a very encouraging reality. Yet this same truth of our sanctification requires our participation, submission and humility if we are ever to become who God intends us to be. Linger over these needs in your life for a moment and welcome God to speak to you about areas that are not revealing your trust in Him through resulting good works. Petition Him in hope as you welcome Him to bring good works from dammed up portions of your life-stream.
In the end it is important to realize that you cannot simply will yourself into spiritual fitness. This is an ongoing work of grace. Yet do not be confused and believe in error that, because it is grace, it is independent of you. The process yields an ever greater treasure than your practical spiritual growth: you grow in intimacy with the invisible God who works on your behalf. You get to know Him in ways that you would not have if he left you the way you were. Respond to His sanctifying work in your life. Be there as it happens.
I found Meadow Baptist on tv by accident while home with an illness. While I have never been a baptist and do not condone or share what I have heard is a “once-saved…” theology, I find that I can support a lot of what I hear from Pastor Jeff. I believe in living a life of holiness, without which no man shall see God, although I know there is no such thing as human perfection and that we must respond positively to the checks that God will place on our lives when they come. Keep up the good work, Rev. Jeff!!