“Sanctification is not a work of nature, but a work of grace. It is a transformation of character effected not by moral influences, but supernaturally by the Holy Spirit.” ~ Charles Hodge
The world is full of Christians who have knowledge of God and rebirth but have never truly experienced kingdom salvation. Their eyes are opened by the power of the Gospel message, the altar call, and baptism, but they have yet to receive God in their heart, nor have they experienced the Holy Spirit dwelling deep down inside them. The unfortunate result is that these Christians are constantly recommitting their lives to God, receive multiple baptisms, possess a great deal of knowledge about the Gospel of the Kingdom, even experience conversion, but none of this is kingdom salvation.
When a person is reborn, they know it’s from above and not because of anything they have done. People can go through all the motions, including but not limited to the altar call, baptism, pledging their time, talent, finances, attending membership classes; all important and necessary, but not kingdom salvation. The process of salvation is where we arrive at a place on our spiritual journey where we receive the gift of salvation from the only One who can gift it, and this is from Jesus Christ. By the authority of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, our sins are in remission, the Holy Spirit dwells deep inside us, and our lives bear the fruit of Jesus Christ Himself. If any of these are missing, we have yet to experience kingdom salvation.
Scripture Readings
Reflection Questions
- What did you take away from today’s reflection and scripture readings?
- Have you experienced a kingdom sanctified life?
- How do you know?
- What is your understanding of salvation?
- Who makes salvation possible, and how?
- What or who powers the transformation process in the kingdom?
Prayer
Lord, I struggle at times with where we are in our personal relationship. Please help me find and experience the kingdom salvation discussed today. You know my heart and mind; please heal my heart and mind to a level I never knew possible. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. May Your will not mine always materialize, now and forever, Amen.
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