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“For by the one offering He has perfected forever and completely cleansed those who are being sanctified [bringing each believer to spiritual completion and maturity]” (Hebrews 10:14AMP).
In the opening scripture above, positionally, we are all perfected, sanctified, cleansed in Christ. This was what we all experienced instantaneously in the new birth experience. Christ’s holiness was imputed to us – 1 Cor. 1:30. But God expects the believer to progressively express his new identity in Christ in lifestyle, behaviour and conduct. This is the two sides to the believer’s life in Christ: the legal side and the experiential side.
In the first part of this series, we discussed the divine side to our path in growing in holiness. The Father Himself works in us to sanctify us and brings us to full completion in Christ – 1 Thes 5:23; Phil 1:6.
In this second part, we wish to focus on the human side. We are instructed to purify ourselves from anything that defiles the body, spirit and perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord – 2Cor. 7:1; 1Jn 3:2-3. But we can only accomplish this as we grow out of canality by feeding on the right spiritual diet, be transformed by renewing our minds with the truths of God’s Word, yield to the Father, and depend on His grace to live with a God-given holiness.
The reality is, we can’t work out our new identity in godly lifestyle if we remain ignorant. In ignorance, we will slip back into our old ways of living. But as the believer feeds on the pure Word, renews his mind with the truths of God’s Word, he will be transformed into a new person to think, speak and act like God.
GOD’S servant: Peter Collins Obeng
Grace Covenant Glory
