Grow in Grace

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

THE NEW BIRTH is the beginning of a process of spiritual growth in which we seek to weed out of our minds and hearts any worldly influences that would separate us from the Lord. Our aim is to be transformed into His image and take on those godly attributes that equip us to someday live with God forever. We seek to follow Christ’s teachings and example –to grow in Christ likeness.

THIS SPIRITUAL CONVERSION requires a drastic change, from fleshly desires to holy aspirations – from the love of the earthly to a love of godly righteousness – from having this world’s mindset to being filled with holy desires – to having the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:1-11. We must learn to love what God loves and to love as He loves. 1 John 4:7-21. Our Father desires our sanctification – He has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness. 1 Thessalonians 4: 3, 7.

HIS IS HEART EDUCATION, spiritual circumcision, where we root out of our system all that keeps us separated from a Holy God. Colossians 2:9-13; 3:1-10. Trained in the knowledge of Christ, we can then partake of His divine nature. 2 Peter 1:2-11.  This is not achieved by human effort but by the Lord’s Spirit working in us as we pray and obey His will.  “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit”.   2 Corinthians 3:18

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.  His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  2 Peter 1:2   Compare 2 Peter 3:18

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.   2 Cor.5:17