When we first receive Christ, we feel an amazing sense of relief, joy, and gratitude for His abundant forgiveness in our lives. In the light of Christ, we’ve recognized the awfulness and great extent of our sin, and now having experienced His grace and forgiveness, we are eternally grateful.
But Christ does not leave us in our sinful state, He wants to transform us. In Romans 6–8, Paul explains that we are no longer slaves to sin; we have died to sin; and sin no longer controls us. In contrast, we are now slaves to righteousness, eager to serve Christ in newness of life. We are alive to God and submit to His control.
In Romans 12:1–2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.” The Lord wants us to be transformed into His likeness.
In Philippians 3, Paul expresses his desire to know Christ even more deeply and become more like Him. Then, he goes on to say that he has not yet attained all this or arrived at his goal of being more Christlike. Therefore he says, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13–14)
We are all (or should be) on a trajectory of life change in Jesus Christ. As we mature in our relationship with Him, He continues to reveal areas in our lives that we need to put under His control. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
And Peter urges us, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:14–16)
Having received Christ as Savior, we dare not stand still in our spiritual development with Him. He wants to transform us, making us more like Him. Therefore, we should be on a trajectory of life change, ever becoming more and more like Jesus as we live in Him.
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:3–8
Personal Application
What were you like before you came to Christ? In what ways has Christ changed you?
To what extent would you say you’re currently on a trajectory of life change in Christ?
Think of three things in your life (practices, thought patterns, habits, etc.) that you would like Christ to transform. Submit those areas to Christ and seek His help in changing you.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5