Tools for the Christian life: Praise

Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring Biblical concepts in the Christian life. There are many aspects to the Christian life. However, a simple biblically-based 5-step approach to grow our relationship with God is what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47, as follows:

·       Prayer

·       Praise

·       Fellowship

·       Receiving biblical teaching

·       Reaching others with biblical truth

These 5 tools describe the activities in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model for the actions Christians should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles.

Last week started our discussion of these 5 tools by examining the content and attitude in prayer. Today we will consider several common questions about praise. 

How do we praise?

Definition of ‘praise’ – Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ‘praise’ as:

• To express a favorable judgment or commend
• To glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections

Content of praise – For a Christian what are the elements of biblical praise? The Bible gives some hints:

• Acknowledgement of God’s perfect character (Ephesians 1:6)
• Acknowledgement of God’s righteous actions (Psalm 139:14; Psalm 148)
• Thankfulness (Hebrews 13:15)

Reason for praise – Why do we praise God? The reasons are vital to our Christian life and are listed below:

• The Bible commands us to praise – It is our duty to praise God. However, God does not give us commands without reason, so several potential explanations follow below (Psalm 150; Romans 15:11; Hebrews 13:15).
• God deserves praise – Our Father in Heaven is the almighty God who has provided for our salvation through His precious Son, Jesus Christ, as a free gift through faith that we could have eternal life. This salvation is a sure hope and anchor for our souls. Surely, He deserves glory, thanks, and praise (1 Peter 4:11; Hebrews 6:19).
• It is good for us to praise – God made us! Therefore, He knows what is good for us. It is good for us to praise because:

• God’s ordained order – Praise reminds us of the order of the universe. We are not the most important thing in creation. God’s goals and priorities are higher and better than ours.
• Humility – Realizing that God’s plans are more important than ours might limit our complaining and remind us that we are here to serve our great God.
• Attitude – Praise teaches us thankfulness in realizing God’s gifts to us in creation, in Christ and His benefits in this life as our Father. These should promote an attitude of thankfulness and reduce our expectations (Philippians 4:8).

We do indeed have a great God and Savior who are worthy of all praise, honor and glory! Praise not only in church but also in your everyday life. It will transform your Christian walk.  Join us next time as we discuss fellowship.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

Tools for the Christian Life: Prayer 2

Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring biblical concepts in the Christian life. There are many aspects to the Christian life. However, a pivotal aspect is advancing in our relationship with God; a simple biblically-based 5-step approach is what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47, as follows:

·       Prayer

·       Praise

·       Fellowship

·       Receiving biblical teaching

·       Reaching others with biblical truth

These 5 tools describe the activities in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model for the actions Christians should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles.

Last time started our discussion of these 5 tools by examining the content and attitude in prayer. Today we will consider several common questions about prayer.  

·       As born-again believers, how do we know what to pray?

o   Biblical – Our prayer requests should be consistent with what glorifies Jesus Christ (John 14:13-14; 15:7). The Apostle Paul offers 3 model prayers in the epistles in which he emphasizes what God wishes us and others to attain in our Christian walk, no matter what the situation (Ephesians 1:15-23; Ephesians 3:14-17; Colossians 1:9-15).

For example, if someone asked you to pray for their sick relative, not only could you pray for their health as God cares for all our needs, but pray also according to the model prayers by Paul as these list the issues in which God wishes us to mature no matter what the situation.

o   Paul’s model prayers include the following themes:

·       Confidence of our salvation (hope).

·       Knowledge, understanding and wisdom of God’s word, especially the epistles.

·       Knowledge of God’s power.

·       Knowledge of God’s love.

·       Demonstration of service, all done in power, patience, joy and persistence.

·       What about confession of our sins? 

This is a controversial point. The epistles do not instruct us, as Christians saved by faith, to confess daily our sins to God. We are forgiven as we confessed our sins, once for all time, at salvation (1 Jn 1:6-10)!

In contrast, the common injunction to believers in the epistles simply to obey (i.e., turning from our daily sins to adhere to the Bible, Romans 6:12-20; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; 1 John 3:22). It is the Holy Spirit who helps us obey and defeat our sins (Romans 8:13). Therefore, knowing we are forgiven, our prayers can be more forward-looking, service-oriented and filled with praise and thankfulness.

·       Why pray?

Medical research indicates that active prayer increases wellbeing, and the more frequent the prayer the better the wellbeing. Prayer is good for us and the epistles tell us to do it! Several potential benefits of prayer are:

o   God cares:

§  It provides a release for our emotions to God, perhaps relieving tension and frustration.

§  It engenders a sense that somebody cares and is listening. We also know that the Holy Spirit and Christ Himself pray on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:26,34).

o   Good reminders:

§  It causes us to recognize and learn scripture as we pray.

§  It allows us time to consider and how we might help, problems (ours or other’s problems.

§  It reminds us to be thankful for others and for His blessings to us.

§  It helps us to praise and remember that we have a great God whose purposes are greater than ours. Thus, it helps keep our own problems in perspective.

o   God answers: In addition, as Christians we have the benefit of God’s promise to answer prayer so there may be a further benefit through His gracious provisions (John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:13).

Prayer is a key tool to maturity as a Christian, invoking God’s help but reminding us of scripture, praise and thankfulness, all which may our assist our wellbeing.

Prayer is one of the great benefits of our Christian life. Thanks be to God for such a provision.

Join us next time as we discuss the vital topic of praise.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

Tools to maturity in the Christian life: Prayer

Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring biblical concepts in the Christian life. There are many aspects to the Christian life. However, a simple biblically-based 5-step approach to grow our relationship with God is what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47, as

follows:

• Prayer
• Praise
• Fellowship
• Receiving biblical teaching
• Teaching others with biblical truth

These 5 tools describe the activities documented in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model for the actions Christians should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles.

Today and over the next several blogs we will discuss each of these tools in turn as they are so fundamental to our walk with God. Let us begin with prayer!

Prayer

We do indeed have a great God to whom we are privileged to pray. How do we pray? Here are the basic biblical concepts:

Attitude – the 7 C’s

• Christlike – We are to pray in such a way that is consistent with the goals of Christ as established in the Bible (John 14:13-14).
• Consistent with the Spirit – Our prayer should be consistent with God’s revealed Word (i.e., scripture, John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14) which the Holy Spirit uses to provide us power (Ephesians 6:17; Jude 1:20).
• Confident – As a forgiven Christian God views us as sinless which allows us the privilege of direct, unimpeded access to Him so we can pray. We can come before God with courage (Hebrews 4:14-16;  10:20-22)!
• Continual – Our prayers are to be persistent, frequent (Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) and in all places (1 Timothy 2:8).
• Changeable – Allow prayer itself, and scripture, to correct our attitudes and requests (1 Timothy 4:5).
• Consecrated – Our prayers should be unhindered by sin (1 Peter 3:7).
• Careful – We should be sober and watchful in our prayers (1 Peter 4:7)

Content of prayer – Scripture also describes several general themes in our prayers:

• Thankfulness – We should express gratitude for what God has done in our own and other people’s lives (Philemon 1:4).
• Praise – We should acknowledge God’s holy character and actions.

Note: The first two aspects of our prayers add to our proper attitude mentioned above but are also important content.  

• Our requests – We may petition God with anything that worries or concerns us. We should remember that we are praying to the great God of the universe (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 4:12).

• Specific requests– They should be consistent with God’s desires and example prayers recorded in scripture (John 14:13-14; Ephesians 1:15-19; Ephesians 3:15-18; Colossians 1:9-14).
• Pray for others– Examples of prayer for other people are frequent in scripture (James 5:16).
• Request prayer from others– Paul often requested prayers from others (Colossians 4:3; Ephesians 6:19), which may have had the following advantages:
  • Help induce God to answer the prayers.
  • Allows others to share in God’s answers to your prayers by asking them to pray for you so they also might be encouraged when you report to them the answered prayer.
  • We do not know exactly how God uses prayer requests from other people. In his epistles, Paul often asks for prayer (Colossians 4:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:25) although scripture generally does not mention that believers should ask other people to pray for them. Further, there is no set number scripture provides of people praying for you which God desires to answer Prayer. We do know, however, that God answers prayer according to His will (John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14).

Therefore, prayer is a key tool to maturity as a Christian, invoking God’s help but yet reminding us of scripture, praise and to be thankful, all which may our assist our wellbeing. Prayer is one of the great benefits of our Christian life. Thanks be to God for such a provision.

Join us next time as we discussed the basis of our prayers and several special common questions about our petitions to God.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…
Email                info@teleiosresearch.com
Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/
Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch
Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch
Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q 

Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

Christian Life Part 5: Christian Life Tools

Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring Biblical concepts in the Christian life. We recently about the three types of sanctifications (being set apart for holiness) which delineate our Christian experiences:

• Salvation - Our legal sanctification by the blood of Christ in faith (Romans 3:21-26)
• The Christian life - We seek to become sanctified in our actions and thoughts as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16)
• Heaven - Christ takes us to our eternal home when our bodies will be sanctified (1 Corinthians 15:50 ff)

Importantly, when one sanctification is complete and we progress to the next, we cannot return to the prior state. This helps us know that we have eternal security and confidence in our relationship with God; please review the last blog about this important lesson.

We then discussed scripturally based goals for Christian living and the tools God provides by which we can accomplish them.

• Be holy as God is holy - We should strive to develop godly characteristics in our life (1 Peter 1:16)
• Live a life of faith – God is pleased by our faith, not guilt and legalism (Romans 14:23; Colossians 2:6)
• Serve God with your entire life – In accomplishing this goal we have great freedom to live by faith within the broad bounds of the New Testament epistles’ commands (Romans 12:1-2)

From there we learned that we have tools to implement the Christian life by God's word through the power of the Holy Spirit.

So, knowing this key information, how do we actually mature ourselves as Christians?

As a reminder, the first step to the Christian life is to accept Christ’s forgiveness for our misdeeds by faith in His death and resurrection (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-26; see “Our great salvation summary”).

The next important step is to understand that our salvation is permanent – no matter what – and that we should not feel guilty in daily life (1 Peter 1:4-5; John 10:27-31; see “Our secure salvation summary”)! This is the foundation for the Christian life.

How then do we live the Christian life?

There are many aspects to the Christian life. However, a simple biblically-based 5-step approach to grow our relationship with God is what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47, as follows:

• Prayer
• Praise
• Fellowship
• Receiving biblical teaching
• Reaching others with biblical truth

These 5 tools describe the activities in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model for the actions Christians should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles.

Why are these 5 tools important? When implemented consistently, and in balance with each other, these activities produce a godly mindset and righteous actions in our daily lives.

These five tools are fundamental; we will spend the time over the next five blogs describing the importance of each in the Christian life and practically how to implement them. Please join us! We hope these blogs will help revolutionize your life and relationship with our God.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…
Email                info@teleiosresearch.com
Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/
Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch
Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch
Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.  

Christian Life Part 4: Borders for the Christian Life

Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring Biblical concepts in the Christian life. We spoke initially about the three sanctifications (being set apart for holiness) which delineate our Christian experiences:

·       Salvation - Our legal sanctification by the blood of Christ in faith (Romans 3:21-26)

·       The Christian life - We seek to become sanctified in our actions and thoughts as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16)

·       Heaven - Christ takes us to our eternal home when our bodies will be sanctified (1 Corinthians 15:50 ff)

Importantly, when one sanctification is complete and we progress to the next, we cannot return to the prior sanctified state. This helps us know that we have eternal security and confidence in our relationship with God; please review the last blog about this important lesson.

We then discussed scripturally based goals for Christian living and the tools God provides by which we can accomplish them.

·       Be holy as God is holy - We should strive to develop godly characteristics in our life (1 Peter 1:16)

·       Live a life of faith – God is pleased by our faith, not guilt and legalism (Romans 14:23; Colossians 2:6)

·       Serve God with your entire life  – In accomplishing this goal we have great freedom to live by faith within the broad bounds of the New Testament epistles’ commands (Romans 12:1-2)

Most recently we discussed the tools that God gives us to accomplish these goals which are the Bible and His power as manifested through His Holy Spirit.

Borders for the Christian life

Although we have great freedom to pursue God in faith, He does place wise borders on our lives to keep us on the scriptural playing field so we do not run out of balance and take ourselves out of the action.

·       Admonishments for the Christian life – These exist to fulfill two general purposes from a holy God:

• Maintain an orderly society – These are reflected in commands such as “do not murder” or “do not steal” and are often repeated from the Old Testament. God’s order commands are interspersed throughout the epistles. In general, His commands are few and protective to us and society, leaving us a broad path in life in which He wants us to live by faith to serve Him.

• Note: Old Testament and gospel commands – These commands reflect God’s holiness. Nonetheless, they are dictates for another time when God administered His people differently. We obey commands within the epistles because these are for the church time in which we now live.

• Live a wise and godly life – Like the commands related to orderliness, these injunctions also are interspersed throughout the epistles and provide wisdom about how to lead the Christian life. Interestingly, research in the medical literature has shown that when such admonishments are obeyed they increase wellbeing, such as producing hope, forgiveness, thankfulness, and joy (https://teleiosresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/CV-Teleios-Wellbeing-Review-JRH.pdf). Further, Teleios’ research has shown that Christians who study the Bible and practice what it says its precepts on average have better wellbeing than those who do not. God made us and He knows our psychological profile and what is healthy for us.

• Use your freedom wisely - Although God grants us wide freedom in our Christian walk, the Apostle Paul tells us not to misuse this freedom if we're causing other believers, who are following legalistic non-biblical commands out of faith, to stumble (Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8; 1 Corinthians 10:23ff). An example of this might be drinking alcohol. Scripture tells us that we should not become drunk (Ephesians 5:18) but does not tell us not to drink alcohol. Therefore, we are free to partake of alcohol in a responsible way (1 Timothy 4:4-5) in which we remain sober. However, we should not drink if we are causing a Christian who believes that we should refrain from alcohol to become discouraged in their faith.

God has granted us great freedom to live in faith in accordance with broad scriptural commands. Our ability to know truth helps us navigate life in a productive and joyful way. We thank God for His provision and wise and truthful word.

We will discuss in the next blog the methods God graciously provides us to use to mature ourselves in Him.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Christian Life Part 3: Tools

Welcome back to my blog. We are discussing the Christian life. God gives us so much that makes our lives abundant!

We discussed last time goals for the Christian life and started exploring the two primary tools to accomplish these goals. The first tool is God's word. Please review last week's blog below. Now let us explore the second tool, the Holy Spirit and His power to accomplish Christian living.

God’s power

God’s power in the New Testament for believers is manifested generally in two ways:

• The gospel (Romans 1:16-17) – This is the power of God to salvation! The Holy Spirit is active in the process by convicting unbelievers of their sin (John 16:10).
• In the Christian life (Ephesians 6:10-17) – The magnificent armor of God passage is critical to understanding our Christian life because it instructs us how to access God’s power by describing a Greek hoplite soldier and his armament. Often Christians wonder how they can know the power of God. These great verses describe it! However, it is also important in showing the role of the Spirit because His mighty actions are linked to each of the pieces of armor in other scripture.
• Truth (our belt to prepare us V.14) – Living in truth is a fruit of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:9) and prepares our mind to make proper decisions and actions.
• Righteousness (our breastplate V.14) – A fruit of the Spirit is a holy heart that is set apart to serve God and perceives and rejects sin (Ephesians 5:9).
• Share the gospel (the shoes to carry us to battle V.15) – By telling others the message of salvation we see the power of God to change others and positively affect our society, which is assisted by the Spirit (Romans 1:16-17; 2 Timothy 1:7; John 16:8-11).
• Faith (our shield V.16) – Another fruit or evidence of the Spirit is faith by which we make our decisions and do what God desires from us (Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 14:23).
• Eternal security (our helmet V.17) – The sound knowledge of our security of salvation protects our heads as we face troubles in this world and its function comes from the Spirit (Romans 15:13, Romans 8:16).
• The Bible (our sword V.17) – The power of God we experience in our Christian life is through the action of the Spirit in accordance to the Bible (Hebrews 4:12).

What great truths! What a privilege to know God through His word and live a holy life which pleases Him.

Thank you for joining me today. Please return next time as we continue the exciting discussion of the Christian walk that's associated benefits in life.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…
Email                info@teleiosresearch.com
Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/
Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch
Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch
Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

 Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Christian Life Part 1 - The Foundation

The term Christian life roughly refers to how we live as a believer. Our Christian life is vital to gain and know the fruit of the Holy Spirit, derived from obedience, as well as to serve our Savior who saved us (Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 2:12; Romans 12:1-2).

Importantly, two preconditions exist to enjoy the Christian life. If you are unsure If you meet these conditions, please review Chapters 1-3 of Know the Bible on the Teleios website.

The preconditions: Salvation and assurance

• Being saved by grace, having received the forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection to new life (Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 3:21-26; Romans 10:9).

• Security of salvation, as we can only adequately live a fruitful Christian life when we are confident of our salvation (1 Peter 1:4-5, Romans 8:28-39).

If a person does not believe In Christ to salvation, they do not have the understanding or capacity to live the Christian life (Romans 3:10-18). Further, if we are not convinced that God keeps our salvation then we will not have the confidence to life as a Christian and serve God.

Based on these two foundations, how the does the Bible tell us to live the Christian life?

Progressing from Salvation to live the Christian life (Hebrew 6:1-2).

How do we then mature in our faith after salvation?

o   Three sanctifications – Critical to understanding the Christian life are the three different sanctifications. These are defined in the Dallas Theological Seminary doctrinal statement and are very useful. Sanctification as a term is defined by our setting apart as holy to God.

Ø  First or past sanctification – This is legal holiness based on our forgiveness of sins by Christ’s death in the cross through faith. We are created new beings in Christ who can serve him (Romans 6:2-11; Titus 3:5).

Ø  Second or present sanctification – This describes our actions, by which we become holy as we live a life of faith and obedient in our service to God throughout our lifetime (Romans 6-12-16; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Peter 1:4-10).

Ø  Third or future sanctification – This is the change in our bodies at the rapture that become holy; completing the sanctification process (1 Corinthians 15:1-49).

o   Importantly, the three sanctifications are separate in implementation and do not mix.

Ø  Transition from first to second sanctification – When Christ was resurrected to new life He then ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father (Hebrews 8:1). This action signified that His glorious work in bringing salvation to man was finished. His sacrifice was sufficient for all sins for all time and did not need to be repeated (Hebrews 10:10-19). His sacrificial work being complete, Christ now heads continuously the church and helps believers in their Christian life.

• Likewise, as Christians when we believed on salvation and received forgiveness (Romans 3:23-26) it is once for all time. We also were resurrected to new life and sit at the right hand of God the Father with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-9). Consequently, our work of being saved is finished. We now serve Christ continuously through the church (second sanctification). We do not need to revisit our first sanctification.

• So as Christ was resurrected to new life we also are resurrected to new life through Him (Romans 6:2-9). As Christ’s saving work was finished on the cross, so our process to salvation was finished at conversion. As new regenerated person we are now able and free to serve Him, unburdened with insecurities over the security of our salvation or if God may not accept us for some sin (Romans 6:11-16).

Ø  Transition from the 2nd to the 3rd sanctification – When Christ comes again in the clouds to take His church home our bodies will be changed instantaneously to a heavenly body (1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 15:49-54). This completes our sanctification.

So, by definition, in the Christian life we have progressed from the first to the second sanctification. It is based upon the fact that you have been saved by grace through the blood of Christ with your sins forgiven. In addition, we have been given the positions of being placed in God's family, found innocent by the blood of Christ, sealed and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. These unalterable promises and being changed into a new person provide a security to salvation and confidence in our relationship with God.

Therefore, we move forward in the Christian life serving God with confidence and joy.

Join us next time as we further describe this wonderful process of God bearing fruit in our life and our service to Him. 

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

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Disclaimer – I am not a trained pastor or psychologists. Please contact the appropriate medical or pastoral practitioner for professional help beyond what lay people can provide. This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.