Read: Philippians 2:12-13
Be holy, because I am holy. (1 Peter 1:16 NIV)
Martin Luther described the dynamics of the Christian life this way: “This life is not health but healing; not being but becoming; not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing towards it . . . This is not the end, but it is the road.” The 18th-century writer John Newton put that idea more memorably: “I’m not what I ought to be, I’m not what I’m going to be, but thank God I’m not what I used to be!”
Christians have been saved in the sense that our sins are forgiven because Christ has paid their penalty. Being credited with Christ’s righteousness is what makes us acceptable to God. The theological word for this is justification. But God does not intend simply to credit Christ’s righteousness to us. He wants us to actually become righteous, to do right in our thoughts, words, and actions; in other words, to become more like Jesus. The word for this is sanctification.
Sanctification involves moral effort on our part: fighting against sin, practicing obedience to God’s Law. Paul urges us to “work out” our salvation (v. 12), to begin to grow into the new life we have received through God’s gracious mercy. We will never be completely free of sin until we die and experience the fulness of salvation in heaven. In the meantime, though we often falter and fail, God is constantly at work within us, helping us to both want and do his will (v. 13).
As you pray, ask God to help you become more like Jesus every day.
About the Author
Rev. David Bast
David Bast is a writer and pastor who served for 23 years as the President and Broadcast Minister for Words of Hope. In his more than 40 years of devotional writing and preaching, he has been encouraging believers around the world to be shaped by God and his Word.
Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he is the author of nine devotional books and Bible studies, includingWhy Doesn't God Act More Like God,Christ in the Psalms, andA Gospel for the World.
Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and eight grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.
