The Life in Christ Jesus!

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” – 2 Timothy 1:9-10 NIV

First of all, we need to know that it is not by our works that we have been saved through Jesus Christ, but it is by God’s mercy and grace that we received salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Thus, we are able to become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24) by believing in Jesus and doing the will of God (Ephesians 2:8-10) until the end of the age, to enter the everlasting kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-23) where we are supposed to belong (Genesis 1-2). The reason for this is that we were still part of His creation (Genesis 1:27), even though we have rebelled and sinned against Him (Romans 3:23) This is all because of His steadfast love (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10; Romans 5:8).

Furthermore, our “good works” does not match the will of God, due to the fact that we have been abiding sinful nature. Because of this, God has poured His Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 14:15-27) into us to transform our desires and passions to live holy (1 Peter 1:13-16) and godly lives (2 Peter 1:3-11). “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3:3-8)

However, God has also given us His word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) to advocate us to become the righteousness of God (Romans 1:17). “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Because of this, we need to abide in the word of God with the Spirit, for the Holy Spirit is going to guide us to understand (Isaiah 11:2) His Word (Psalm 1:1-2).

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. (Matthew 7:24-27)

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. (Philippians 1:27-29)