How to Remain a Christian Lesson 6

The most important decision we face in this life is who we allow to control our lives, Christ or Satan. The right decision is, of course, to choose Christ as Lord and Saviour for salvation from sin and its destructive power. To receive Jesus in our lives is to renounce the sinful ways of the world and choose the way of righteousness. When we receive Jesus, all our past sins are forgiven, and we are justiﬁed, or acquitted, and covered with His righteousness. But many have an idea that they must do some part of the work alone. They have trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sin, but now they seek by their own eﬀorts to live aright. But every such effort must fail. Jesus says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” Our growth in grace depends on our union with Christ. It is by communion with Him, daily, hourly – by abiding in Him – that we are to grow in grace. He is not only the Author, but the Finisher of our faith. It is Christ ﬁrst and last and always. He is to be with us, not only at the beginning and the end of our course, but at every step of the way. David says, “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand and I shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:8).

How do we remain strong and committed to Christ? This lesson should help us understand this ever-present question.

Questions

Click on the question to reveal the answer:

1. Is it possible for the new-born Christian to fall back and lose salvation? 2 Peter 3:17

The Bible answer is: Yes – led away with error

The Bible cautions us to be on guard, because Satan is still not ﬁnished in his eﬀort to cause our eternal loss. He works diligently through his agencies on earth to lead us back to the old habits of sin and rebellion against God. We are encouraged to hold on to what we have gained. In Revelation 3:11 Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”
2. How can we avoid turning back into the pathway of sin? 2 Peter 3:18

The Bible answer is: By growing in grace and knowledge

A simple principle is given to us by the Apostle Peter: If we fail to move forward, we will inevitably move backward. It is through our growth in grace and the knowledge of God that we remain strong in the Lord. To remain an infant means we are an easy prey for Satan to deceive and lead astray. To grow up means to become mature in Christ, and thus able to develop into a strong Christian (Ephesians 4:14-15).
3. When is this growth to be accomplished? Titus 2:11-13
4. How does a person grow in grace? Colossians 2:6

The Bible answer is: The same way we received Christ

To maintain and develop a good marriage, a couple must continue the activities that began with courtship: the little attentions, the special outings, the communication. If the Christian is to maintain and develop his relationship with Christ, he must continue the activities that brought him to Christ: serious Bible study; earnest prayer; and ministry to others.
5. What evidence will there be that the Holy Spirit is working in us? John 15:5
6. What is this fruit that is seen in us? Galatians 5:22-23

The Bible answer is: The fruit of the Spirit

The fruits listed in our text are: love, joy, peace, longsuﬀering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits do not appear all at once, but slowly, imperceptibly, just like fruit appears on a tree that receives nourishment from its roots.
7. Is our initial salvation dependent on our producing good fruit? Ephesians 2:8-10

The Bible answer is: No – it is a gift from God

It is just the opposite! Salvation is necessary to have a fruit producing life. Salvation cannot be earned, it is a gift (Romans 6:23). Our own righteousness is worthless now, and it always will be. It is the righteousness from God, apart from our good works, that saves us through trusting Christ (Romans 3:21-22).
8. What is the final result of this growth process? Romans 6:22
9. Can we know if we have eternal life now? 1 John 5:13

The Bible answer is: Yes – we CAN know

God wants us to have the assurance that we are secure in His love. As we give our lives to Jesus each day, behold Him through His Word, communicate with Him through prayer and ministry to others, we will grow to be more and more like Him. At each stage of growth we are complete in Christ because His perfect life of righteousness covers us so that our mistakes and failures do not appear. The transforming power of the Holy Spirit will complete His work so that we will be ready for Jesus’ return to take His people home.

Response questions:

Can you see that spiritual growth is necessary to keep from slipping back into old sinful habits?

Is it your desire to be transformed into Christ’s likeness by the power of the Holy Spirit?