I became a Christian, or am I becoming one?

So, are you becoming a Christian, or did you become one? It’s a question of time, or at least process, logically speaking. Was there a moment in time when you were not then you were? Or, is it a gradual (that could be weeks, years, days) process that takes time? Well, there may be some truth in both and I want to explore this in this BLOG post.

There are clear verses that you change, or better said, become saved, Romans 10:9 (ESV) “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This verse is simple, and clear, used by countless Christians to witness to the lost, seeking to become a Christian. I have turned here many times in talking to a seeker, showing them how simple it is to be saved. Also Paul in another Epistle, Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) “ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: “ This seems to indicate a moment in time, when faith accesses grace, but an argument could be made this is also a process.

In arguing for an extended process (becoming), Jesus words are very clear, Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV) “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Teaching would be over a time period, a process that needs to be learned. Peter makes this statement, 1 Peter 1:9 (NLT) “The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” A process, in light of his statement, of salvation is received at the end of a journey of faith. Where is the truth?

SANCTIFICATION-what it is

There is a concept, in Scripture, called Sanctification. On BibleStudyTools.com, a perfect definition for sanctification is given from ‘Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology’, “The generic meaning of sanctification is “the state of proper functioning.” To sanctify someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer. A pen is “sanctified” when used to write. Eyeglasses are “sanctified” when used to improve sight. In the theological sense, things are sanctified when they are used for the purpose God intends. A human being is sanctified, therefore, when he or she lives according to God’s design and purpose.” This is a great definition of Sanctification, generically, but the Bible uses the word to mean ‘Holy’. ‘Easton’s Illustrated Dictionary’ has this to say about Sanctification, “Involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration. In other words, sanctification is the carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration, and it extends to the whole man.”

JUSTIFICATION

Christians have a position, condition and ultimate destination, when it comes to Sanctification. Our position in Christ is based on Him and His grace, we call this aspect of Sanctification, Justification, Romans 3:28 (KJV) “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Justified, ‘just-as-if-I-had-never-sinned’ someone so cleverly put it, quaint, but true. Justification is a legal term, meaning simply, ‘declared innocent’, not innocent, but a declaring of innocence, we are seen in God’s eyes as in right standing, Romans 5:1 (HCSB) “Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is our position, established upon the Cross of Christ, righteous before God. The whole Reformation rests on this great truth, Galatians 3:11 (KJV) “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”

TRANSFORMATION

But, there is a conditional Sanctification, also, we’ll call it transformation or regeneration (old timers called it Holiness), Romans 12:2 (KJV) “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Paul, here, is expressing our day to day living in Christ. A much better explanation is here, Galatians 2:20 (KJV) “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” This hearkens to the position and condition. We are perfect in Christ, and becoming perfect thru Christ.

GLORIFICATION

Finally, Sanctification takes on a future role, also. It is called, Glorification. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 (KJV) “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” There will be a change, an ultimate Sanctification. Paul expresses as such, Romans 8:18 (KJV) “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

BECAME TO BECOME

We are becoming a Christian, after we became one, is how we could address the original question. It is accurate to say that there is a moment, at least a point in time, we become a Christian, but that we are moving toward Christ-likeness, that is we are becoming more Christ-Like. It is better said here, 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV) “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” Peter is encouraging a growing Christian in their walk in Christ. The Hebrew writer has a recommendation, Hebrews 6:1 (KJV) “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,” It is a start, but also a finish.

#salvation #sanctification