As children of God, joint-heirs with Christ, we have a new standing and identity before our heavenly Father. It is an identity bound in the grace of God in union with the Son of God through the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit. It is, therefore, out of love, that He purposes to train us by a process, whereby we are transformed into the likeness of His Son, so He can be glorified in and through us. Yes, we will live earthly lives filled with trials and conflict. But, with every trial comes a greater measure of grace; and wisdom to advance forward as we receive God’s truth.
RELEVANCE
God drew Abraham through a series of encounters after directing him to leave his homeland and go to an unknown place. God brought him through a process of transformation. After a series of events God honored his level of trust and faithfulness, and changed his name from Abram to Abraham. His new name expressed his new identity and relationship with God.
Truly, the child of God has the capacity to live in trusting faith with the internal hope of being transformed according to God’s purposes through the active working of the Holy Spirit. This hope produces a real inner peace, liberty, and joy.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:18-21).
In our renewed standing with God we experience a lifelong process of transformation as the LORD reveals and manifests greater measures of His nature within us. He continues to transform us by His grace as we yield to His Word and Spirit with a steadfast heart inclined towards Him, allowing His purposes and will to be performed.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Do you find yourself on new ground in life?
Are you relating with God and others differently than in times past?
As you continue your journey, continue to allow God to fashion your nature. He is fashioning His nature in you.
REFERENCES
2 Corinthians 5:16-19