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The things to which we are brought into submission, by our desires, are those which become the dominant force and determine the life we lead in our sojourn on earth and our place in eternity. A word picture fitting all who are born into this world may be found in Paulís writings to the Corinthians. 1 Cor. 6:9-10 It is not a pretty picture but there is a golden opportunity to change the old life for an entirely new one. The Spirit of the Lord does wondrous things in the life of those who will call upon the name of the Lord.
His very first action is that of washing. 1 Cor. 6:11 The redemptive blood of the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ is applied to the heart of the penitent, by the Spirit of the Lord, and they are cleansed from the sins of the past. Rev. 1:5 Through the operation of the Spirit we are made to be new creatures in Christ Jesus. A spiritual birth creates a new life, a regeneration. The old life is gone and gladly forsaken in exchange for the new life and its abundant blessings. 2 Cor. 5:17 A life which is lived following the teachings of the Word of the Lord. A life which is lived not in our own strength but in His. He empowers each and every one with the ability to live for Christ. The Word of the Lord is an absolute necessity for spiritual growth. It is that which will guide us into all truth. He washes, shapes and moulds the life of the redeemed into the likeness of the Lord Jesus.
Problems with the spiritual life begin when we fail to heed the call of the Spirit to a work of sanctification. Sanctification may be the doctrine of a past generation but it is the solution to the problems of modern day Christians. It is not a dirty word or something which should be avoided but rather sought for and practiced by all who would follow Christ. The Holy Spirit is He who works in us, by our desire and permission, to form us into the likeness of Christ. To be sanctified is to be made holy. Not according to our own standard of Christian living but being obedient to His will. A life of righteousness is a sign of belonging to the elect of the Lord. 1 Pet. 1:2 The call of the Spirit is to the chosen of the Lord. They will give evidence of having heard and received the call of the Spirit by seeking the cleansings of soul and spirit and having Him direct their path way. When it is recorded in the Word of truth, it is not something which may be disregarded. 2 Thess. 2:13 To know and adhere to the truth is liberty. John 8:32 There is nothing in life more valuable than the truth of the Word of the Lord. Therefore Solomon urged all, to buy the truth and sell it not. Prov. 23:23.
If we will hear it, the Word is constantly issuing a challenge to the people of the Lord to walk before Him in His righteousness and holiness. The call of the Lord is very simple and uncomplicated and is presented in terms which are easily understood. Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Pet. 1:16 At times there are seemingly adverse events which take place in our life and we question, why me Lord? It is well to remember that all things work together for good to those called of the Lord, even great adversities. Rom. 8:28 Unquestionably some of these circumstances which arise, if not all, are used by the Lord as a means of correction to point us to His ways. He would have His people to become full partakers of His holiness. Heb. 12:10 What a wonderful invitation and great privilege to be able to enter into that particular phase of His character.
As with all things given by the Lord, He has made the promise and will fulfill it, providing we do our part and move in faith. There is not to be found a cleansing from sin where there is not a desire to be set free from its power. The Word calls upon us to cleanse ourselves from all unrighteousness of the flesh and spirit. The Lord never presents us with a situation that is impossible. He has made every provision possible for the cleansing process to be enacted and brought to its perfection. 2 Cor. 7:1
There will be and are difficulties which arise but never beyond the capability of the Lord to guide us through them to complete and ultimate victory. We are more than conquerors. Rom. 8:37 In Christ Jesus we will overcome. 2 Cor. 2:14
The blood of Christ cleanses from all sin. 1 John 1:7 If the cleansing from sin is not all inclusive, then forgiveness is according to the same measure. Thank the Lord, such is not the case. All the works of the Lord are absolute. He will not deny His Word. He must react to every situation according to that which He has already declared in the Word. Now, having been set free, the liberated will bear fruit of righteousness unto the Lord. Rom. 6:22 He whom the son sets free is free indeed. John 8:36 In the natural, we are not born adults but grow and progress to adulthood. In Christ, we are born again, becoming babes in Christ. Then the process of growth begins. We establish goals unto which we want to attain in this life. The same is true with the spiritual. The Lord has set before us spiritual attainments, the consummation of His purpose in us is to bring us to His very own character and likeness. It is a goal for which we must all reach out to obtain, for it is His will for all of our lifeís. Phil. 3:12.