“In Christ”

New Life in Christ – It’s

Forever

“In Christ”RecapWe’re new creations with a new

identityEternal life – knowing God and

JesusHeaven – uninterrupted life with

GodEarthly life prepares us for

heaven Jesus saves and intercedes It’s all graceSalvation is not ours to lose – it’s

being kept in heaven for us

“In Christ”God is able

“…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that

which I have committed unto Him against that day ”

2Timothy 1:12b (KJV)

“In Christ”2Peter 1:1-11 (TNIV)

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

“In Christ”2Peter 1:1-11 (TNIV)

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

“In Christ”2Peter 1:1-11 (TNIV)

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

“In Christ”2Peter 1:1-11 (TNIV)

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if any of you do not have them, you are nearsighted and blind, and you have forgotten that you have been cleansed from your past sins.

“In Christ”2Peter 1:1-11 (TNIV)

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

“In Christ”Eternal Life defined

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,

that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”

John 3:16 (NIVUK)

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the

Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them”

John 3:36 (TNIV)

“In Christ”4 “R’s”

The Reality of Salvation The Riches of Salvation The Responsibility of Salvation The Result of Salvation

“In Christ”Reality

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

2Peter 1:1-2(TNIV)

“In Christ”Reality

This is “saving” faith – “believing”• “pistis” = “strong conviction”• Same kind of faith for everyone• We all have equal standing• We’re all saved on the same basis –

Jesus’ righteousness• We all get the same package

“In Christ”RichesHis divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2Peter 1:3-4(TNIV)

“In Christ”Riches

“Divine power”• We get everything we need• Ephesians 2:3 “Blessed with every

spiritual blessing”• No exclusions or economy class• We’re complete in Him – Colossians 2:10

“in Christ you have been brought to fullness”

• “Very great” = “exceedingly”• “Precious” = “priceless”

“In Christ”ResponsibilityFor this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

2Peter 1:5-7(TNIV)

“In Christ”ResponsibilityFor this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

2Peter 1:5-7(TNIV)

“In Christ”ResponsibilityFor this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

2Peter 1:5-7(TNIV)

“In Christ”Responsibility

Our involvement• To grow in these qualities – “increasing

measure”• Not consecutive but cumulative • “add to” = “increase in”

“In Christ”ResultFor if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if any of you do not have them, you are nearsighted and blind, and you have forgotten that you have been cleansed from your past sins.

2Peter 1:8-11(TNIV)

“In Christ”ResultTherefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

2Peter 1:8-11(TNIV)

“In Christ”Result

Effective and Productive• “barren” or “unfruitful”• Blind – myopic – because of disobedience• Lose the “assurance of salvation”

Rich Welcome• Full reward• Faith to believe we’re saved by Jesus and

to believe we’re kept by the Holy Spirit

“In Christ”Moving Onwards

“Life can only be understood backward,

but it must be lived forward” Soren Kierkegaard

“Now faith is being sure of what

we hope for and certain of what

we do not see”Hebrews 11:1 (TNIV)

“In Christ”Moving Onwards

Questions to consider• Am I telling God that somehow I’m

incomplete in my salvation?• Where am I doubting that God has

given me EVERYTHING I need for life and godliness?

• Which of the qualities mentioned do I need to start adding to in my life?

• How can I be more effective and productive in my spiritual life?