We have Salvation through the Lamb of God: We are continually sanctified in Christ as we live in a close relationship with God through our Lord Jesus. The more time we spend praying truthfully in the Spirit with Jesus, the more we become like Him. We should reach a point in our relationship with Christ Jesus that we surrender ourselves (our self-focus) as an act of love. Surrender shifts our self-focus away from ourselves and toward God and His Righteousness. Just as young children are primarily concerned about their own desires and eventually develop empathy for others, so must our focus shift to include the will of God. Surrender is marked by a change in our prayer life, where the majority of our prayers are for others, for the world, and for a desire to pray for God’s purpose, plan, and will to be done.
Jesus Was Sent by God
John 3:16-18 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Jesus Saves
Acts 4:12 (KJV) “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
John 14:6 (KJV) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
The Ongoing Sanctification Process
We are in the process of Sanctification: 2 Cor 5:17 (KJV) “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” We are new Children of God with the indwelling Holy Spirit living within us. Like children, we must grow spiritually through obedience to our Father, God.
Surrender
We choose to surrender to God by inviting God into every aspect of our daily life. My favorite story of a human learning to do that is the story of a French Monk from the 17th Century. Brother Lawrence understood the importance of surrendering to God absolutely every aspect of his life. The book “The Practice of the Presence of God” was compiled from his writings after his death.
Prayer
Lord God Almighty, thank you for continuing to sanctify me and all your children in Christ Jesus. You forgive our sin when we ask for Your forgiveness. You are full of mercy and grace towards me. You help us increase our faith and root it deeply within You when we ask. I only need to ask honestly for whatever I need. I trust You to hear my prayers and do something good, even when the answer is no. I want to turn to You and surrender my whole heart and selfish will to You. Jesus, You are my Savior and my Lord. Please save me from my selfishness and help me resist any resistance that keeps me from lovingly following You, as My LORD. I want to know and love You better. In Your name, I pray, Jesus, that our Heavenly Father will be glorified through You as You answer my prayers. Amen