Beyond Adam

I'm excited to begin the 2nd half of the epistle to the Ephesians. Before we continue our journey, I have a few thoughts for you to consider. First, our growth into the likeness of Christ is crucial to explore. If our attention is not focused on how a Christian changes and grows we will continually suffer a whithered, parched, defeated life. Second, it is important to realize that this is a day-to-day commitment for life. George Whitefield used the analogy of house building to make an important point:

'The renewal of our natures is a work of great importance. It is not to be done in a day. We have not only a new house to build up, but an old one to pull down.' True enough. This advice points out the need to be careful with expectations. Sanctification is a process. It is accomplished by God's power and work.

On our part, sanctification takes three things: 1) time 2) effort and, 3) desire. Our desire to look more like Christ comes from a deep-abiding heart affection for Him. The rest takes time and effort. But apart from all this, did you ever wonder what God's plan for redemption is/was? And, How is any of this accomplished with evil ever present in us (that is, in our flesh) and around us in our fallen world at all times?

As we prepare to learn the process of change and growth, we must first examine God's plan for redemption--an absolutely critical understanding to our life of faith.