Growing in God’s Grace
Introduction
Heaven has, for a long time now been waiting to welcome the spouse that Jesus espoused (betrothed) about 2000 years ago. He would not take her with Him when He ascended to heaven because she was so immature in her tender age of three years and inexperienced as a woman to make “her husband known in the gates in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.” Proverbs 31:23. For this reason, He left her to grow to maturity, however, not alone but with the help of the comforter, “…the Holy Spirit whom the Father will (was) to send in my (His) name,” to “teach you (her) all things.” John 14:26.
Her growth and development along with the children she had to bring forth was destined. “That our sons [may be] as plants grown up in their youth; [that] our daughters [may be] as corner stones, polished [after] the similitude of a palace.” Psalms 144:12. Her progressive growth was well marked out. Just like a growing plant that needs sunshine, water, deep and rich fertile soil and air, all that she needed was availed her so as to alleviate the chances of stunted growth in her being, for which reason … “he (Jesus) said…, My grace is sufficient for thee:..” 2 Corinthians 12:9
NATURE’S BIRTH
“The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure of Christian growth. As in nature, “For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear;” (Mark 4:28) so in grace, there can be no life without growth. The plant must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but continuous, so is the development of the Christian life. At every stage of development our life may be perfect; yet if God’s purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. As our opportunities multiply, our experience will enlarge, and our knowledge increase. We shall become strong to bear responsibility, and our maturity will be in proportion to our privileges.” God’s Amazing Grace 283
“The plant grows by receiving that which God has provided to sustain its life. It sends down its roots into the earth. It drinks in the sunshine, the dew, and the rain. It receives the life-giving properties from the air. So the Christian is to grow by cooperating with the divine agencies… As the plant takes root in the soil, so we are to take deep root in Christ. As the plant receives the sunshine, the dew, and the rain, we are to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit… By constantly relying upon Christ as our personal Saviour, we shall grow up into Him in all things who is our head.” Ibid 283
SPIRITUAL BIRTH
In resolving to be born into the spiritual world, one certainly consents that the life he or she has been living before has not been the best. Feelings of hate, revenge, infinite ambitions of ego, fear of getting revenged on wrongs done to others, selfishness, grudges, all knowing, always right etc., certainly character traits that are not valued in mature men and women. The same lack of something good that was yesterday still remains amid all the filler materials we have put in place to demand respect as fully grown and mature people. The unceasing trouble in the heart of man in search of a calm and peaceful life, has led many to regard the counsel, “… eschew evil, and do good; … seek peace, and ensue it.” 1 Peter 3:11 They are led to accept the invitation “…Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew11:28. The invitation that we may grow after our spiritual birth is given to all, young and old alike.
“There should be an earnest desire in the heart of every youth who has purposed to be a disciple of Jesus Christ to reach the highest Christian standard, to be a worker with Christ. If he makes it his aim to be of that number who shall be presented faultless before the throne of God, he will be continually advancing. The only way to remain steadfast is to progress daily in divine life. Faith will increase if, when brought in contact with doubts and obstacles, it overcomes them. True sanctification is progressive. If you are growing in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ, you will improve every privilege and opportunity to gain more knowledge of the life and character of Christ.” {AG 284.3}
“The Lord Jesus is making experiments on human hearts through the exhibition of His mercy and abundant grace. He is effecting transformations so amazing that Satan, with all his triumphant boasting, with all his confederacy of evil united against God and the laws of His government, stands viewing them as a fortress impregnable to his sophistries and delusions. They are to him an incomprehensible mystery. The angels of God, seraphim and cherubim, the powers commissioned to cooperate with human agencies, look on with astonishment and joy, that fallen men, once children of wrath, are through the training of Christ developing characters after the divine similitude, to be sons and daughters of God, to act an important part in the occupations and pleasure of heaven.” {Ibid 222.}
“It is the privilege of the young, as they grow in Jesus, to grow in spiritual grace and knowledge. We may know more and more of Jesus through an interested searching of the Scriptures, and then following the ways of truth and righteousness therein revealed. Those who are ever growing in grace will be steadfast in the faith, and moving forward.” {Ibid 284.} A resolution on your part to choose to live thus is never empty of God’s care. It’s coupled with a promise from the lips that never lie, “I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. Isa. 27:3.
CONDITIONS OF CHRISTIAN GROWTH
The constant urge to all that have been born into the kingdom of grace was the sermon of the apostle Peter about 2000 years ago. As a baby that is nursed on mother’s milk after birth, Peter too points out that all that have been spiritually reborn take the food that has vital nutrients in order to produce a symmetrical growth.. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” 1Peter 2:2. What kind of growth is Peter referring to? Of growing tall, stout, with beards and grey hair? Certainly no! “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18, notwithstanding the physical growth for young people born into the spiritual family.
I have watched several mothers making a critical scrutiny of their babies while the baby is breast feeding. And after a while most mothers are happy to note that the baby is putting on weight very fast, signifying that the baby is growing well. They are happy because their efforts have been rewarded. On the contrary, what reaction would you expect from a mother that has given wonderful food and clothing to her baby but with little or no positive change in growth for the last three months? “Better I would have not conceived! Better I would have not given birth!” …etc. It is all regrets and remorse that her hopes have produced little good.
Our heavenly Father is always watching the development that we make so that we may grow fit as heirs of His Kingdom of Grace. This watchcare is one that surpasses that of the most loving mother or father. Just like a mother, He is most pleased when we make two steps today, three tomorrow, and eventually walking upright after months of falling and rising up again. To achieve this, He dearly yearns that we meet the following:
1) Impartation. “One of the divine plans for growth is impartation. The Christian is to gain strength by strengthening others. “He that watereth shall be watered also himself.” (Prov. 11:25). This is not merely a promise; it is a divine law, a law by which God designs that the streams of benevolence, like the waters of the great deep, shall be kept in constant circulation, continually flowing back to their source. In the fulfilling of this law is the secret of spiritual growth…” {AG 285.}
2) Interest in Christ’s Work. “The only way to grow in grace is to be interestedly doing the very work Christ has enjoined upon us to do.” Christian Service 101
3) Home Religion. “The work of sanctification begins in the home. Those who are Christians in the home will be Christians in the church and in the world. There are many who do not grow in grace because they fail of cultivating home religion.” Child Guidance 481.3
4) Preparedness For New Truth. “Grace can thrive only in the heart that is being constantly prepared for the precious seeds of truth. The thorns of sin will grow in any soil; they need no cultivation; but grace must be carefully cultivated. The briers and thorns are always ready to spring up, and the work of purification must advance continually. If the heart is not kept under the control of God, if the Holy Spirit does not work unceasingly to refine and ennoble the character, the old habits will reveal themselves in the life.” {Christ’s Object Lessons 50}
5) Study of the Word. “In giving us the privilege of studying His word, the Lord has set before us a rich banquet. Many are the benefits derived from feasting on His word, which is represented by Him as His flesh and blood, His spirit and life. By partaking of this word our spiritual strength is increased; we grow in grace and in a knowledge of the truth. Habits of self-control are formed and strengthened. The infirmities of childhood–fretfulness, willfulness, selfishness, hasty words, passionate acts–disappear, and in their place are developed the graces of Christian manhood and womanhood.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students 207
6) Exercise. “The best way to prevent the growth of evil is to preoccupy the soil. The greatest care and watchfulness is needed in cultivating the mind and sowing therein the precious seeds of Bible truth. The Lord, in His great mercy, has revealed to us in the Scriptures the rules (Law and testimony) of holy living. He tells us the sins to shun; He explains to us the plan of salvation, and points out the way to heaven. He has inspired holy men to record, for our benefit, instruction concerning the dangers that beset the path, and how to escape them. Those who obey his injunction to search the Scriptures will not be ignorant of these things. Amid the perils of the last days, every member of the church should understand the reasons of his hope and faith,–reasons which are not difficult of comprehension. There is enough to occupy the mind, if we would grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Christian Education 188
7) Shake Off Spiritual Lethargy. “Shake off your spiritual lethargy. Work with all your might to save your own souls and the souls of others. It is no time now to cry, ‘Peace and safety.’ It is not silver-tongued orators that are needed to give this message. The truth in all its pointed severity must be spoken. Men of action are needed –men who will labor with earnest, ceaseless energy for the purifying of the church and the warning of the world.” Test. Vol. 5, p. 187
8) Connected With Christ. “It is the privilege of every soul to make advancement. Those who are connected with Christ will grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Son of God, to the full stature of men and women. If all who claim to believe the truth had made the most of their ability and opportunities to learn and to do, they would have become strong in Christ. Whatever their occupation,–whether they were farmers, mechanics, teachers, or pastors,–if they had wholly consecrated themselves to God, they would have become efficient workers for the heavenly Master.” {ChS 25.1} Is it not time, high time, for you to awake out of sleep, and shake off this carnal security?
9) Acknowledging The Holy Spirit Working In Us And With Us. “If the world is to be convinced of sin as transgressors of God’s law, the agency must be the Holy Spirit working through human instrumentalities. The church needs now to shake off her death-like slumber; for the Lord is waiting to bless His people who will recognize the blessing when it comes, and diffuse it in clear, strong rays of light. ‘Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean… And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.’ (Eze. 36:25-27).” Ye Shall Receive Power 188.2
10) Total Conquest over Self. The condition of Israel growing to a great nation was described by Moses; “…When ye are passed over Jordan into the land of Canaan; Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places: And ye shall dispossess [the inhabitants] of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it… But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them [shall be] pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.” Numbers 33:51-53,55.
But regardless of their high destiny, they chose the course of ease and self-indulgence; they let slip their opportunities for completing the conquest of the land; and for many generations they were afflicted by the remnant of these idolatrous people, that were, as the prophet had foretold, as “pricks” in their eyes, and as “thorns” in their sides. Numbers 33:55. PP 544 Would the current crisis of the Middle East be said to be the result and consequences of “ye shall drive out all the inhabitants” and if “ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land?”
Similarly, now as then, our growth in becoming men and women of God’s admiration depends on whether we live up to the pledge we have personally made to God’s call. Everyone has to wage a spiritual war, which the spirit of prophecy denotes as; “A great warfare is going on over every soul, between the prince of darkness and the Prince of life. There is a great battle to be fought… but you are not to do the main fighting here. As God’s agent you are to yield yourselves to Him, that He may plan and direct and fight the battle for you, with your co-operation. The Prince of life is at the head of His work. He is to be with you in your daily battle with self, that you may be true to principle; that passion, when warring for the mastery, may be subdued by the grace of Christ; that you come off more than conqueror through Him that hath loved us. Jesus has been over the ground. He knows the power of every temptation. He knows just how to meet every emergency, and how to guide you through every path of danger He who has given His precious life because He loved you, and wanted you to be happy, will be a Captain who will always be mindful of your interest.” Sons and Daughters of God 160
THE ULTIMATE GROWTH.
It will not be a secret thing or something needing guesswork when one has grown to the standard set forth for us – the pattern of Jesus Christ as indicated by His counsel, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. This can only happen when “…we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:” Ephesians 4:13. A time and times spent with the Lord will have an elaborate blossoming effect similar to that of trees growing along the river bank because their roots will ever be supplied with the water needed for foliage and fruit production, no matter the dry weather.
“The mind of a man or a woman does not come down in a moment from purity and holiness to depravity, corruption, and crime. It takes time to transform the human to the divine, or to degrade those formed in the image of God to the brutal or the satanic. By beholding we become changed… Constant war against the carnal mind must be maintained; and we must be aided by the refining influence of the grace of God, which will attract the mind upward and habituate it to meditate upon pure and holy things.” {AG 224.}
Testimony has it that when we come into close association and acquainted with God and His ways, we partake of His nature. To cheer us when we pursue the course for oneness with God and Jesus, it is written; “And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in (his) Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount… And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; Exodus 34:29-30. Forty days spent with the Lord worked a transformation in which divinity was flashing in humanity. This wonderful reservation awaits all that are striving to touch the heart of God in faith. Too, as Moses, they will be manifest unmistakably with the glory that surrounds the Lord in His throne, says the prophet; “Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven” Great Controversy 612
“He who is guided by clean, holy principles will be quick to discern the slightest taint of evil, because he keeps Christ before him as his pattern. His deep regret at the discovery of a wrong act means the prompt correction of every step wherein he has diverged from truth. It means a constant, earnest striving for higher and still higher attainments in the Christian life. It means helping others to climb heavenward. It means taking hold of Christ by living faith and resisting evil if need be unto blood, striving against sin.” In Heavenly Places 260
“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, our joy, our usefulness,–all depend upon 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.” Steps to Christ 69
“–Seek to be an evergreen tree. Wear the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. Cherish the grace of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. This is the fruit of the Christian tree. Planted by the rivers of water, it always brings forth its fruit in due season.” {3BC 1142.} Or else, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away.” John 15:2
“‘When the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.’ Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” {COL 69.}
Dear reader, what significant steps can we recount today when we reflect our past (1, 2…over 10) years of Christian life? What imperfections can we testify as having overcome? Which are the tendencies/habits that have proved to be and still are more difficult to part with and why? Most likely, a more total surrender that has no reservation of any sort is required of us before we can attain the ultimate maturity-“The Fullness of Christ”.
While there is still time to be called today, let’s nourish ourselves that we may grow to the stature of perfect Adam, before the announcement “…It is done” is made.
Amen.
John Riang’a Obwocha
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