A Work In Progress---The Biography Of A Christian

A WORK IN PROGRESS---THE BIOGRAPHY OF A CHRISTIAN

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Eph 2:10 NIV

“I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 HCSB

I. DESIGNED BY GOD FROM ETERNITY PAST.

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)

II. BEGINS WITH THE SPIRITUAL NEW BIRTH

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” (Ephesians 2:1)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (1 Cor. 5:17)

III. CONTINUES THROUGHOUT THE CHRISTIAN’S LIFE

God makes provision for our spiritual growth and development.

“But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Pe. 3:18)

The Greek text does not include "the" before the word "grace". Peter is referring to our developing Christian graces in our life. The Holy Spirit empowers us to grow in grace. (John 16:8-15) Paul mentions some of these graces. “But as you abound in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us--see that you abound in this grace also.” (2 Corinthians 8:7)

We grow in the knowledge of our Lord through the study of God’s Word. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:15-17, “From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

IV. WHAT GOD STARTS…HE ALWAYS COMPLETES!

We agree with Paul when he wrote to the church at Philippi, “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 HCSB)

There are several things that God cannot do and one of them is to fail. (God also cannot lie; He cannot sin and He cannot save anyone who does not come unto Him through Christ Jesus!) Our Lord said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35; Luke 21:33) What He has said He will do, and not fail.

Arthur A. Luther wrote the words and music to a song that clearly declares this truth entitled “Jesus Never Fails”.

Earthly friends may prove untrue, Doubts and fears assail,

One still loves and cares for you, One who will not fail.

Tho the sky be dark and drear, Fierce and strong the gale,

Just remember He is near, And He will not fail.

In life’s dark and bitter hour…Love will still prevail,

Trust His everlasting power---Jesus will not fail.

Jesus never fails! Jesus never fails!

Heaven and earth may pass away, But Jesus never fails!

The song properly says “Jesus never fails”, but it would be equally true if it said “Jesus cannot fail”.

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” (Ro. 8:29-30)

God will not lose a single one of His chosen from His foreknowledge to our ultimate glorification. Praise His name! Saved wholly by His grace and kept solely by His power. Peter summed it up so well. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1: 3-5 NIV)

He, who predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son, will one day bring it into fruition. “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (I John 3:2)

CONCLUSION

We can easily identify with Paul when he wrote, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:15 NIV). Notice that Paul did not say “I was the worst”…he said “I am the worst!”