Steps to Christ: Consecration (Chapter 4)

Be sure to check out the companion video for chapter 4 at YouTube: VagaBondservant.

Some have said that justification is done in a moment, butsanctification is the work of a life time.  If that is true, repentancecan be likened to justification because the moment a sinner repents,they are justified in the eyes of God.  Consecration can be likened tosanctification because as an individual learns to consecrate themselvesdaily to God, permission is granted for God to work out His good andperfect will in the sinners life.  This is what sanctification is allabout. 

Ellen writes, “He sets before us the height of blessing to which Hedesires to bring us, through His grace.  He invites us to giveourselves to Him, that He may work His will in us.  It remains for usto choose whether we will be set free from the bondage of sin, to sharethe glorious liberty of the sons of God.” If you miss this, you maybecome easily confused thinking that this is all about you and what youdo or do not do in order to gain God’s favor.  The key here is to keepin mind that “HE sets… HE desires, through HIS grace”!  In other words,it is all about what Jesus desires for us.  Please keep in mind that Hedesires to fulfill His good and perfect will in your life (Romans12:2). 

Take a moment to read the first chapter of Ephesians (especiallythrough :14).  When you do so, count the times that you are responsiblefor anything when it comes to salvation, righteousness, perfection,etc.  Last time I check, which was about 20 seconds ago, you and I areonly responsible for ONE thing!!!!!  It is found in :14 and it occurswhen we “believed in Him.” That is what consecration is all about,actually believing in God in the good times and the bad, at thebeginning of, during and at the end of every day, putting our entirefaith, hope and love into Jesus! 

By beholding Him, we will become changed.

In the last paragraph of this chapter, Ellen states that, “By yieldingup your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is aboveall principalities and powers.  You will have strength from above tohold you steadfast, and thus through constant surrender to God you willbe enabled to live the new life, even the life of faith.” Are you readyto live the consecrated and victorious life?  Simply surrender all toJesus! 

Blessings!

Matthew
From the kitchen in New Haven, CT