Musing – What should happen when you become a “Christian”?

Hebraic Musing – What should happen when you become a “Christian”?

Apostle John told us how to know if we belong to Jesus – “We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.  The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him:  Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:3-6  NIV  But are we expected to “walk as Jesus did” or are we in a “Process of Sanctification”?

The overarching definition of Saints is “persons of great holiness, virtue, or benevolence.”  Peter said that believers are “Saints” when he defined us in 1 Peter 2:9-10  “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Peter called us “a holy nation”.   The words Holy and Sanctified and Sanctuary and Sanctification all derive from the distinction of being set apart for God’s purpose(s).  And if we have been set apart because we made Jesus Christ the Lord of our lives, some evidence should show up in our lives.  What are the evidences of the “Process of Sanctification” that should be continuously occurring in our lives from the time of our salvation until the time of our death?  Here are six R’s of evidence:

Redemption – We’ve been “…brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Col.1:13-14    We should be moving from lost to found, from darkness into light,…?   “So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Rom 13:12

Resisting – And do you find yourself resisting temptations?  Have you “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” Eph 6:11

Righteousness – “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” Gen.15:6   Righteousness can be simply defined as “Being in right standing with God”. 

Reliance – Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”   Matt 16:24   And the alternative is described in Titus 1:16 “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.”

Repentance – Jesus had strong words for the church in Sardis – “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief….” Rev 3:3

Replication – In kindergarten we should have learned to share.  Is your heart’s desire to share the gift of salvation you received?   “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Heb 13:16    Is “sharing” what Jesus intended in Mark 16:15 when He told us to "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”?  

These six R’s should help us determine if and how well we are progressing in the “Process of Sanctification”.

  Points to ponder

Are we making progress in our own “Process of Sanctification”?

Might we use some of these R’s to encourage our Brothers & Sisters?

Might these R’s be used to witness to those who are not bearing fruit?

Might these R’s be used to witness to the unsaved?

“…contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” Jude 3

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                                  December 12, 2017

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – inspired by Pastor Chris Cooper’s message Sunday December 3, 2017