In Genesis 1:27, 2:1 we learn that man was made in the image of GOD. After sin entered the picture, man became dead (spiritually-in his relationship with GOD) in trespasses and sin (Ephesians 2:1-5). From that time on, man was born in the image of fallen man (Genesis 2:3). The ball and chain of sin pulling at him/her.
And this fallen man’s nature is no longer a mirror of the divine nature but is a fallen nature that has something to do with the knowledge of good and evil and wanting to act independent. “I know best.” The basic problem with that is 2-fold, 1st it is rebellion against our Creator and 2nd we were not designed to be independent of GOD. As it is written… “it is not in man that walks to direct his (own) steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). Nor can we figure things out on our own, for as it is written… (of CHRIST) “in whom is hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). We are told to “trust in the LORD with all our hearts and to lean NOT on our own understanding; to acknowledge (ask) HIM in everything and HE will direct our path” and then are warned “be NOT wise in your own eyes” (Proverbs 3:5-7).
Since all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD (Romans 6:23), we are dead in our trespasses and sin (Ephesians 2:1-5) and all have a ball and chain pulling us down. GOD sent HIS only begotten SON to reconcile us to HIMSELF by paying for our sin on the cross. GOD’s eternal judgment for sin fell on CHRIST on the cross, and justification is made whereby believers (those who accept the love of the truth that GOD the FATHER and JESUS did this for us) are freed from the penalty of sin.
When one believes in JESUS we are born again and obtain eternal life (John 3:7, 16). When we believe the gospel of JESUS that HE died for our sins and rose for our justification we receive the love of the truth and several things happen simultaneously:
When one is JUSTIFIED (just as if I’d never sinned) one is freed from the penalty of sin forever. By paying for sin through HIS blood on the cross JESUS finished the requirements of the OT law and instituted the NT covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25, Hebrews 9:15, 10:16-17). Having been REDEEMED by CHRIST’s blood (from the slave market of sin) a believer is FORGIVEN (Colossians 1:14), at this point a believer is RECONCILED to GOD and GOD places on the believer in JESUS, HIS very own RIGHTEOUSNESS (Romans 3:21-22).
The HOLY SPIRIT comes to reside within the believer (John 7:38-39) and the HOLY SPIRIT BAPTIZES the believer into the body of CHRIST (the church 1 Corinthians 12:13, 27, Colossians 1:18); So, every believer is in JESUS. and baptized into CHRIST’s death (Romans 6:3) he dies to the law (Romans 7:4). Being freed from the law I am free to marry CHRIST and with HIM bear fruit unto GOD (Romans 7:4).
By faith in CHRIST JESUS we have BOLDNESS and ACCESS (to GOD) with confidence (Ephesians 3:11-12).and at the throne of grace obtain mercy and get grace to help in times of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Therefore, if man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
At the same time, GOD the FATHER DELIVERS the believer out of the power of darkness and translates them into the kingdom of HIS dear SON (Colossians 1:13).
Then as a self-absorbed constantly eating caterpillar goes into a cocoon and dies and slowly parts of the chewing 12 simple eyed multi legged creature dissolve and are used to make a totally different creature= a winged creature with 2 multifaceted eyes and a built-in straw for sipping nectar from the flowers it flits around to, so the new believer enters into the cocoon process of SANCTIFICATION.
Sanctification- the setting apart for GOD’s use is at once instantaneous by the decree of GOD and yet a process whereby the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is little by little transforming the believer into the image of the Savior JESUS by writing GOD’s thoughts in the believer’s mind so he/she begins thinking like GOD and places HIS desires into the believer’s heart so she/he begins to feel as GOD does about things (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16-17, 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, Romans 8:29, 2 Peter 1:1-4, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Isaiah 28:9-10). This is done at the decree of GOD the FATHER (Romans 8:29).
The cocoon process of sanctification will continue through life on earth and the ball and chain of the old nature gets smaller and smaller as we yield to the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT.
Although truly born into GOD’s family when we believe in JESUS, we will gradually take on the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) as we grow in our knowledge of GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST; as we claim the great and precious promises given us in the Word of GOD and walk in the SPIRIT as HE nudges us along or warns us (2 Peter 1:2-4). The believer’s complete transformation cannot take place until stripped of the body of this death with its sin nature and the believer sees JESUS face to face (1 John 3:2); that is called GLORIFICATION.
A Christian, in time while on earth, is at one and same time a sinner and a righteous person. A sinner in fact, but a righteous person by the sure decree and promise of GOD that HE will continue to deliver the believer from sin until HE has completely transformed the believer through teaching (1 Corinthians 3:18) and discipline (Hebrews 12:11) and make the believer like the Savior (Romans 8:29).
Once confessed (1 John 1:9) or disciplined (1 Corinthians 11:31-32/ Hebrews 12:5-11), the believer’s sins and iniquities GOD remembers no more (Hebrews 10:17). The believer is totally healthy in hope, but sinner in fact, having the beginnings of righteousness so hungers for more and more therefore seeks it, while very aware how he/she falls short and sees her/his own unrighteousness.
The ball and chain of sin get smaller and smaller as step by step the believer yields to the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT and grows closer and closer to the LORD. But sometimes a believer insists on playing in sin. At those times GOD deals severely in discipline. GOD disciplines those HE loves (Hebrews 12:6) and HIS purpose is change (Hebrews 12:11). We see an extreme example in 1 Corinthians 5:5, but if you notice it is so that the one being disciplined’s soul will be saved (1 Corinthians 11:31-32).
I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Hugs
Sharon
wakemyear 