The Christian life consists of three stages – salvation, sanctification (growth and maturing), glorification (graduation! when the believer enters Heaven or when Jesus comes to earth again to claim them). When the believer comes to Christ and receives Him in his heart as his Lord, Savior, Brother and Friend – that is the salvation step. It is only the first stage. After that is the long process of maturing and growth that the believer has to go through until his character becomes Christlike. That is the goal of the process of sanctification. This stage may be filled with difficulties and pain but the apostle Paul was encouraging the believers that it is Jesus Himself who will make sure they finish the course. He will help them and He Himself will cause the transformation in their character. He is after all the author and perfecter of their faith.
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Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible, Bible App by YouVersion.com
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Art courtesy of YouVersion Bible app. I am using the Bible App by YouVersion.com for my daily devotion. Download it now for your mobile device. https://j794q.app.goo.gl/nd4yPrGj7Hbhy9Kk8
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