If you get a new (groundbreaking new, innovatively new, industry standard new, conceptually new) cell phone, electronic notebook, laptop or pc, wouldn't you want to learn how to use it to the fullest extent, using its unique features?
If you are taking a new medication (wonder drug level) for a potentially fatal condition, wouldn't you want to follow the instructions precisely?
If you were given the responsibility/opportunity to fly a plane, wouldn't you want to know how to fly it, navigate it, land it, read its instruments, and use its radio?
Why, then, do people think being a Christian does not require commitment and sacrifice to grow in grace and knowledge?
Why, then, do people think being a Christian does not require commitment and sacrifice to grow in grace and knowledge?
Just as there is the potential for greatness in other fields of life for those who become adept at a given discipline, so there is the potential for greatness in the Christian experience for those who follow fully and make the changes that God requires.
Just as there is the possibility for tragedy in other fields of life for those who are slack in their commitment, so there is the possibility for failure and eternal loss in the spiritual experience for those who neglect or reject the Lordship of Christ.
I am not talking about salvation by legalism or works righteousness, I am talking about salvation by grace that conforms us to the likeness of Christ.
I am not talking about salvation by legalism or works righteousness, I am talking about salvation by grace that conforms us to the likeness of Christ.
2 Peter 3:18
(18) 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.
2 Peter 1:3-11
(3) According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
(4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
(6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
(7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
(8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
(10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
(11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:9-14
(9) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
(10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
(11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
(12) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
(13) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
(14) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
