How was it we came to Christ at the first?
We came to Him as horrible messes on the premise that through faith in Christ we could be saved and made presentable to God. It is only through Christ that we can remain presentable to Him.
Romans 11:5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
Jesus calls us to life. Life in Him! Through Christ we have received this life and it is through Him that we continue in it. It is by walking in connection with Christ, abiding in Him.
John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
God has not asked us to behave like teenagers and do whatever our peers are doing that looks good. He has not taught that maturity in Christ is our becoming less dependent on Him.
There is not a list of do’s and don’ts that we can follow to produce abiding.
He calls to our hearts and says come to me, all you who labor and I will give you rest! Learn the unforced rhythms of grace, learn of me for I am meek and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
There is a place of abiding that produces such an abundance of the life of Christ in us that we cannot help but produce the fruit that we should. We know we are abiding when we cease from our own works and trust in His.
It is a relationship by faith built upon grace so that he might receive the glory and not we ourselves.
This is what fuels the affections for Christ. This what will lead believers to a place of passion for Christ.
About The Author
- Tim Atchley
- Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
- I currently serve as Senior Pastor of Harvest Church in Knoxville, Tn. I was sent out from Trinity Chapel of Knoxville in 1993 accompanied by my wife Sheila our four children Sarah, Hannah, Josiah & Isaac and a handful of bold, brave and committed believers determined to plant our first church. Pioneering is hard work but well worth the journey. That is why we desire to make disciples of Christ who will, like us, also embrace the call to plant churches.
