RECONCILIATION’S “STRAIT” PATH
Reconciliation requires repentance. The gospel – good news of peace with God (Rom. 5:1) “If while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Romans 5:10 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Reconciliation requires repentance. “Be reconciled to God” – must do something to stop being God’s enemy The prodigal son had to journey home (Luke 15:18, 20). Seeking God necessitates repentance (Acts 17:27, 30). Light doesn’t fellowship darkness (1 John 1:6). Repentance does God’s will (2 Cor. 7:9-10)
Salvation demands sanctification. You and I need saving, and Jesus is the Savior. 1 Timothy 4:10; John 4:42; John 1:36 Many do not know they are lost. Jesus’ gift of salvation is a call to be sanctified in Him. A determination to live in a manner that reflects a changed life that is consecrated to Christ’s way
Salvation demands sanctification. To be set apart in Christ is to accept the calling to be a saint (1 Cor. 1:2). “…you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11 Refrain from improper things (Eph. 5:3). 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7
No hope without holiness. A life without hope is sad, miserable. Christians are saved in hope (Rom. 8:24, 25) “… according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” 1 Peter 1:3-4
No hope without holiness. A steadfast hope perseveres according to the holiness of truth (Eph. 4:24). Hope anchors because God is unchangeably faithful (Heb. 6:17-20). Fixing hope on grace to be revealed entails becoming holy in all behavior. 1 Peter 1:13-16