Christian life begins with Christ and continues with Christ, but as we live for Christ, what are some of the steps one has to take.
Upon taking the step of confessing our sins and acknowledging that Jesus is Lord, the word of reconciliation is committed unto us and we are ordained to be ambassadors for him (2 Corinthians 5:20). But in order for us to be effective ambassadors of Christ Jesus the King, we need to first ‘abide’ (submit and be grafted) in him.
Step 3 in Christian life is to Abide in Jesus. Jesus said, that he came into the world so that whoever believes in him should no longer abide (remain) in darkness (John 12:46) and prayed that God’s Holy Spirit may abide with us forever (John 14:16). He cautioned that unless we abide in him, we will be ineffective (fruitless) in our commission as his ambassadors (John 15:5). In order for us to abide in him, we need to allow Jesus to abide in us, so that the Spirit who is willing overcomes over the flesh that is weak and contrary to the Spirit.
When we do not abide in Jesus, we are only fit to be cast out (John 15:6). We need to keep our fleshly lusts and desires under subjugation, lest by any means, when we have shared God’s words with others, as his ambassadors, we ourselves should be a castaway (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Points to ponder:
Do you and I abide in Jesus? In other words, do we have Jesus abiding in you? Step 3 is to Abide in Jesus Christ, lest we be a castaway!
Romans 10:2-11 (KJV)
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession [acknowledgment] is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
1 John 1:8-10 (KJV)
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess [acknowledge] our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV)
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
