Edit GROW Articles

View

<p class="lead">Christ is not merely the beginning of the Christian life. He is its foundation, power, purpose, and eternal hope.</p>

<p>The Christian life is more than believing facts about Jesus or trying to follow His example. Through faith, we are joined to Him.</p>

<div class="scripture">
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
<span class="ref">—2 Corinthians 5:17</span>
</div>

<p>To be in Christ means that His death provides our forgiveness, His righteousness becomes our standing before God, His resurrection gives us new life, and His future becomes our future.</p>

<h2>United with Christ Through Faith</h2>

<p>We are united with Christ not through good works, but through faith.</p>

<div class="scripture">
“By grace you have been saved through faith.”
<span class="ref">—Ephesians 2:8</span>
</div>

<p>Faith means turning from self-reliance and trusting completely in Jesus—His life, death, and resurrection. Our acceptance before God rests on Christ, not on how well we performed today.</p>

<div class="scripture">
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
<span class="ref">—Romans 8:1</span>
</div>

<p>When you succeed, your hope is Christ. When you fail and return in repentance, your hope is still Christ.</p>

<h2>Dead to Sin, Alive to God</h2>

<p>Because we are united with Christ, we have died with Him.</p>

<div class="scripture">
“Our old self was crucified with him…so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”
<span class="ref">—Romans 6:6</span>
</div>

<p>Sin may still tempt us, but it is no longer our master. We do not resist sin to earn Christ’s acceptance. We resist because we already belong to Him.</p>

<div class="scripture">
“Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
<span class="ref">—Romans 6:11</span>
</div>

<p>When temptation comes, remember: This sin does not own me. I belong to Christ.</p>

<p>We have also been raised with Christ.</p>

<div class="scripture">
“Just as Christ was raised from the dead…we too might walk in newness of life.”
<span class="ref">—Romans 6:4</span>
</div>

<p>The Christian life is not merely self-improvement. The risen Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit. Growth may be gradual, but genuine change is possible.</p>

<div class="scripture">
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
<span class="ref">—Galatians 2:20</span>
</div>

<h2>Secure in Christ</h2>

<p>Our identity is not determined by success, failure, appearance, suffering, or the approval of others.</p>

<p>In Christ, we are forgiven, accepted, adopted, and loved.</p>

<div class="scripture">
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.”
<span class="ref">—Ephesians 1:7</span>
</div>

<p>Your past may affect you, but it does not define you. Other people may label you, but they do not have the final word. God does.</p>

<div class="scripture">
“Your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
<span class="ref">—Colossians 3:3</span>
</div>

<h2>Depending on Christ</h2>

<p>We do not outgrow our need for Christ. We grow by depending more deeply upon Him.</p>

<p>Jesus said:</p>

<div class="scripture">
“Abide in me, and I in you.”
<span class="ref">—John 15:4</span>
</div>

<p>A branch bears fruit by remaining connected to the vine. In the same way, we grow through Scripture, prayer, confession, obedience, worship, and fellowship.</p>

<div class="scripture">
“Apart from me you can do nothing.”
<span class="ref">—John 15:5</span>
</div>

<p>These practices do not earn Christ’s love. They help us live in the love we have already received.</p>

<h2>What We Have Learned</h2>

<ul>
  <li>We are united with Christ through faith.</li>
  <li>We have died with Christ, and sin is no longer our master. We have been raised with Christ to walk in newness of life.</li>
  <li>Our identity is secure in Christ.</li>
  <li>We grow by abiding in and depending upon Christ.</li>
</ul>

<h2>What We Are Called to Do</h2>

<ul>
  <li>Trust Christ rather than personal performance.</li>
  <li>Reject sin because it no longer has rightful authority over us.</li>
  <li>Walk in the new life Christ has given.</li>
  <li>Receive our identity from God rather than the world or what people think.</li>
  <li>Remain in daily dependence upon Christ.</li>
</ul>

Edit Topic ID: 2000