The Family Resemblance

The Family Resemblance

In following Christ, the Christian will, over time, begin to look more and more like Christ (Rom. 8:9). This does not happen over night. When someone is born again there is a definitive shift that happens as they move from being dead in their sins to being made alive in Christ. Yet, they are not made perfect in an instant. A believer's growth in holiness takes time.This is known as progressive sanctification. 
     
Sanctification is the process where someone or something is made holy. The Christian, over the course of a lifetime, will grow in holiness as they follow after Christ. As they are confirmed to the image of Christ they will bear the family resemblance which is holiness. 
     
When we remember that every Christian is growing in Christ-likeness it reminds us to go the extra mile with each other in patience. Not every Christian is going to be as mature as you may or may not be. Not every Christian will bear the same amount of patience, self control, or gentleness as another, especially if they are a young Christian. Therefore, we ought always strive to show grace and abound in patience with others.
     
The other wrinkle in it all is that in this life the Christian is involved in "a continual and irreconcilable war." Though redeemed in Christ, the flesh, what the Apostle Paul calls the old man, wars against new man in Christ (Gal. 5:17). This is the primary battle front of spriritual warfare. It is the Christian, by the power of Christ, putting to death the things that would seek to rise up and draw us away from Christ.
     
There is no perfect Christian in this life. While imperfect, we will grow in holiness and look more and more like Jesus as we follow after Him. Let us all press on to grow in Christ-likeness while always abounding in patience and grace with others.

Grace be with you,

C. R. Hamilton