CONTINUE IN CHRIST - PART 8

TUESDAY 25 JUNE 2024

To me, "Continue in Christ" is a great topic that filled me with joy. And the inspiration is expressive of the consciousness of right living which is mainly practised by those who truly love God.

Reference: 1st John 2:28-29 English Standard Version (ESV)

"And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at his coming. If you know that He is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him."

Having come to the end of this topic, I want to leave us with many other Scriptural truths that inspire the need to indulge in practical knowledge of righteousness, and I urge you to study them cogitatively. Few of them are:

Hebrews 5:13-14 (NIV)

"Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."

Ephesians 6:14-15 (NIV)

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."

2nd Timothy 2:22-23 (NIV)

"Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels."

2nd Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

1st John 3:7 (NIV)

"Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous."

1st John 3:10 (NIV)

"This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister."

1st John 2:29 (NIV)

"If you know that He is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him."

2nd Peter 3:13 (NIV)

"But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells."

In conclusion, there is a soundness in Christ, and a good measure of that soundness manifests in all the saints who practise righteousness and function differently - in accordance with the counsels of God. The Bible says, "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God" (Titus 2:11-12 NLT). This versified statement grants us sufficient basis for the interpretation of righteous practices, which include self-discipline and abstention from all forms of evil-inspired indulgence.

Therefore, having gained an assured understanding of what it means to practise righteousness, if we know that Christ is righteous, we may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Genesis 4:7; 1st Corinthians 6:11; Romans 6:11-14; Titus 3:3-5.

Exuberant Declaration:

Christ dwells in my heart by faith, because I am the righteousness of God, sanctified and made holy for His purpose. I always have the Spirit of God witnessing with my spirit that I'm born of God and bringing peace to my soul because I've been conditioned by God's grace to continue well in Christ Jesus. I live an ascetic life of ceaseless prayer and constant communion with God which is utterly consistent with the spiritual and heavenly-minded nature produced in me by the Spirit. Praise God!