Called to Spiritual Change
In The Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges wrote, “If there is not then at least a yearning in our hearts to live a holy life pleasing to God we need to seriously question whether our faith in Christ is genuine.”
The apostle Paul stated that Christians “should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk.” (Ephesians 4:17a) The lifestyle of the unbeliever is characterized in this chapter as (1) intellectually weak—“the futility of their mind”; (2) spiritually separated—“alienated from the life of God”; (3) morally insensitive—“being past feeling”; and (4) basically depraved—“lewdness … uncleanness.” Paul described the Christian differently. He wrote that the believer has “learned Christ … [has] heard Him … [has] been taught by Him.” If God calls Christians to be spiritually mature, then what hinders spiritual growth? The hindrance is a failure to leave some things behind in salvation. What things must be taken off? First, an evil nature must go: salvation is a spiritual union with Jesus Christ—walking in newness of life. Second, falsehood must be removed: God’s work is based on truth, and believers are not useful in it if they are not truthful. Third, sins of the past must be tossed; i.e. abusive language: foul language should never come out of a Christian’s mouth. It is totally out of character with the new life in Christ. Fourth, hurtful attitudes and actions must end: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” (v. 31) As a Christian, you are called to spiritual change: in your thoughts, in your attitudes, and in your relationships. In order to choose the best things, you must discern right from wrong. Paul said, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
