Working Purposefully for a Sound Development in Life

Working Purposefully for a Sound Development in Life

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Pet. 2:9-10.

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.” Eph. 2:19-22.

We realize that the work God wants to do in us is far more than what people generally think of. The thought of such a salvation is quite foreign to most so-called believers. It is only like beautiful pictures— like imaginary, glossy pictures. Part of the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints is that we, as natural human beings in flesh and blood, are to be saved and sanctified to the extent that we can partake of such a growth. The New Testament speaks constantly of such a development and growth after we have been reconciled to Christ and have received forgiveness for our sins. “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Rom. 5:10.

This shows us that we are also to be saved from the sins for which we have received forgiveness. A thorough salvation has been prepared for us. Jesus Himself prays for us that it might succeed for us. Yes, that He will save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him. Heb. 7:25.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your meekness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” Phil. 4:4-5. Of course, the personal salvation that we partake of shall also be manifested in our circumstances: in our homes, and in our church life. The children and young people who are growing up deserve to experience this in their closest surroundings—together with their parents and siblings in their homes, and with other believing children, young people, and adults in their home fellowships. As time passes, they should also be able to say together with John: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us.” 1 John 1:1-2.

Unfortunately, the everyday life of many people is far removed from such life experiences. They may have heard and had many words of God quoted to them beginning in their early childhood, but if they have not experienced the anointing, the blessing, and the power of the Word of life through those who taught them, they have not received the spiritual inheritance that children ought to receive for their journey through life.

Jesus Himself says that He was anointed to preach the gospel, and that God sent Him to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19. This will also be the effect of an anointed ministry of both brothers and sisters. It is free from legalistic pressure and condemnation, without religious superficiality and worldly wisdom. This is where we need the spirit of the fear of God, like Paul, who on several occasions, revealed what was in his heart. And pray “for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Eph. 6:19-20. There is a great need, also in our days, in every home and in every church, for such unadulterated spiritual nourishment. A powerful cleansing is required so that all other words and teachings by which people seek their own can be eradicated. Only then will there be soundness and life, and the right conditions under which the life and glory of Christ can grow.

In all our labor, both in writing and speaking, our goal must be to provide guidance to those who have a need and a desire to come to a development that leads to a deeper life in Christ resulting in a growth that is worthy of the bride of Christ, at home and in the church life. It is my longing to see this sound, delightful, and powerful development of life speed up in each individual church, each individual home, and in each individual life now in the end times.