In preparing for the current Sunday evening series on "The Order of Salvation," I have been helped by reading Robert L. Reymond’s A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith (Thomas Nelson, 1998). In his summary of "Progressive Sanctification" Reymond concludes:
The greatest need of Christian children is to see their parents walking with Christ.
The greatest need of a congregation is to see its pastor living in true piety.
And the greatest need of the church today is a holy walk before the Lord.
We might add that the greatest need of the world is a holy church that holds forward a sinless Christ who died for sinners once for all on the cross. Let us examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). Parents, are we living godly lives without hypocrisy before our children? Those in spiritual leadership in the church, are we seeking true piety? Every member of the body, are we walking in holiness, living for the Lord in a way that is separate and distinct?
Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle
Evangel article December 5, 2007
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