Christian Action, 26of39

~ Genuinely Share The Sorrows of Others ~

Series Note  ~  In just the single chapter of Romans 12 the Apostle Paul gave believers a list of 39 things which are part of the Christian life which pleases God.  This chapter is crying out saying, “If you name Jesus Christ as your Savior then please act like a Christian!”  It is Paul’s “To Do List” for us.  The key principle is that while you and I cannot change God’s character (who He really is) we have the clear potential to damage His reputation (what others think He is). 

Scripture to Meditate On  ~  “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).  

Related Passages  ~  “Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.  And He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’  They said to Him, ‘Lord, come and see.’  Jesus wept.  Then the Jews said, ‘See how He loved him!’ (John 11:33-36).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Jesus Is…, 58

~ Jesus Christ Is Our Sanctification ~

Passage  ~  “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God — and righteousness and sanctification and redemption — that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord’” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31).

Significance  ~  Sanctification has a base meaning of being “set apart” and is a three-phase event.  First, the Christian was (past tense) positionally sanctified when they accepted the gift of salvation provided by Jesus Christ.  The believer has been declared righteous by God, set apart by God, and is eternally secure.  Second, the Christian is in the process of being (present tense) progressively sanctified as they grow in their relationship to Jesus Christ.  The believer is being set apart by God.  Finally, the Christian will (future tense) be perfectly sanctified when they live forever with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The believer will be glorified and experience the full effects of their eternal salvation. 

Comment  ~  It is important to distinguish three theological terms. 

Justification  ~  To be declared righteous—past tense—a settled fact!   

I have been saved from the penalty of sin.  My position in Christ (how God sees me). 

Sanctification  ~  Primarily present tense—a present reality (but note “Significance” above).  

I am being saved from the power of sin.  My activity is becoming like Christ.

Glorification  ~  Future tense—a future reality. 

I will be saved from the presence of sin.  My expectation is to be like and with Christ for all eternity. 

the key question:  “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).  This is the most important question you will ever answer.  If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Salvation, 15

~ The Trinity And The Blessings Of Salvation ~

Salvation is not a Reward for the Righteous.

It is an available Gift for those who understand their Guilt!

The blessing of life is good, but the best of all blessings is to have salvation, the embodiment of all blessings, even Christ Himself.

The Source Of The Blessing (God The Father)  ~  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).   

The Channel Of Blessing (Lord Jesus Christ)  ~  “Now it came to pass, as Jesus sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.  Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him” (Luke 24:30-31a).

The Power Of Blessing (The Holy Spirit)  ~  “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Galatians 3:13-14). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .