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Saints or Sinners
by Kristenea M. LaVelle (Kristenea's bio)
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But now, being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." Romans 6:22
Have you ever found yourself saying this phrase, "I'm just a sinner saved by grace…" ? Perchance you have heard someone else proclaim this statement as truth. Is it true? Are we, as children of the Living God, just sinners saved by grace? Let's explore the truth of this statement as measured by the Word of God.
Our Identity
The first time the Bible teaches us about our image is in the beginning, where we learn that we were created in the "image" of God. Yet, how many of us actually see God when we look in the mirror each day? Not many, because we are used to seeing ourselves a certain way. The way we perceive ourselves depends on the things we think, feel and respond to in the world around us. These experiences implant a mental picture of who we think we are, and that picture is what we see when we gaze into the mirror. We simply "learn" to see ourselves as the world does and not as God does.
When we choose to become "born again" we are given a "new" self-image. No longer are we defined by the standard of the world, or by past mistakes. The old self has been destroyed, being cleansed from all unrighteousness by the blood of the Lamb of God. The new self has come, bringing an image of righteousness and holiness.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17
"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Ephesians 4:24
"And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" Colossians 3:10
Yet even in the light of the truth of scripture, how many of us occasionally see that "old self " gazing back in the mirror? In some ways, it has become a strong part of what defines us as individuals, and perhaps that is the influencing factor that causes us to still see ourselves as "just sinners" saved by grace.
The best way to resist this tendency to focus on our old self-image is to begin to see yourself the way God sees you, through the light of scripture. You are His precious child, a masterpiece created to fulfill a specific purpose, cleansed of all sin and unrighteousness, and marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit. You are unique, one of a kind, and there will never be anyone exactly like you in every way. Therefore, you are His treasured possession, just like the temple jewels, made to reflect the splendor of the glory of God to all who gaze upon your inner beauty. Even if it sounds unreal, it is the truth and eventually it will change the way you view yourself.
The New Man
How do we "become" this new creation that scripture speaks about? What is the process by which we are transformed from the old man to the new?
Once you have been born of the Spirit of God, the transformation begins. This is not just a one-time event at conversion, but a continuing process that reveals the glory of God at work in our lives. This regeneration of our heart, mind and spirit allow us to partake in the divine nature, even as we are being transformed from day to day. It is the essence of our Christian walk and so much of our relationship with God depends on our diligence in pursuing this transformation process.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2
"…according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." Titus 3:5
"…Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word."
Ephesians 5:25-26
New Homeland
As a believer, not only have you been given a "new" life where the Spirit of the Living God is at work transforming you, but you have also gained a new inheritance in the kingdom of God. A brand new homeland, complete with a family of believers to encourage and support you along the way. Your citizenship now exists in heaven, and you have become an "alien" in this land. (earth)
"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of hid dear Son." Col. 1:12-13
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you." 1 Peter 1:3-4
"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:6
"Now therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." Ephesians 2:19
What Does It Mean To Be A Saint?
Our actions and attitude play an important part in how the world views Christianity in general. The Word of God is very clear in defining the proper attitudes and behaviors regarding our relationships with others and we must be careful to allow these guidelines to govern our responses to eachother, and in a broader sense, to the world around us.
As dearly beloved children of God, and ambassadors of His Holy Word, we must evaluate our actions and purify them so as not to make Christ out as a minister of sin. The world is watching to see if Christ is indeed real, or just another fad. If Christ is not real in your own life, what then can you offer the unsaved?
Therefore, "he that saith that he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." 1 John 2:6 In other words, we must walk as Jesus did. He is the example we must follow, the strength for the journey, and the Light for our path.
Jesus, Our Example
Jesus Christ came to earth as a living example to show mankind the way of abundant life. He walked in holiness, righteousness, love, mercy and humility. As His followers, we must endeavor to do the same. We must follow in His footsteps by patterning our lives after His. By dying to self, and denying the sinful nature, Christ can live through us and we can become the extension of His body to this world. We take on our new identity and begin to reflect that image to the rest of the world. This is our living testimony of the transforming power of God at work in our lives.
However impossible it may seem, it is reality. Do not think it is an unattainable illusion. Christ faced every temptation, pain and sorrow common to mankind. He paved the way to truth and a more abundant life by creating the path we are to follow with His own human feet. For these reasons, it is imperative that we, through the power of the Holy Spirit, clothe ourselves with compassion, humility, mercy, holiness, righteousness and purity of mind and thought—we must live as holy people of God. This is our calling and our commission if we are to be effective witnesses of our Lord and Savior.
Saint or Sinner?
According to the Word of God, once you believe by faith in Jesus Christ, everything is made new. You can leave the past behind and enter into a whole new realm where you gain a new image, a new relationship with God and His people, and a new inheritance. You are no longer defined by your past, and no longer a "sinner" by name. You have been translated into the kingdom of Light and made a fellowcitizen with the saints of God…and that makes you a "saint". Once you begin believing the truth of your position in the kingdom of God, then you will begin to see yourself in a better light. The Light of Christ.
[Note: Some excerpts of this article were taken from Kristenea's book The Reality Within the Matrix.]
Copyright 2002, Kristenea M. LaVelle. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Kristenea M. LaVelle: I am a wife of 10 years and a homeschooling mother of five dedicated to teaching and living the truth of Jesus Christ. David and I make our home in Spokane, Washington where we can serve our family and friends with the love of Christ. It was through His direction that I began writing and found myself on a fascinating new journey in life. Now my joy is made complete by writing for Him and about Him. E-mail Kristenea |
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