Asked to explain his part in salvation, a little boy answered well: “I resisted God as hard as I could, and he did the rest.” Salvation is God’s work. Not only does he justify us, but he sanctifies us.
Transformation confirms our salvation. Paul reminded Titus that before Christ, Christians were disobedient, deceived, enslaved, malicious, and hateful. But not any longer. What happened? God’s kindness and love saved us by mercy. The Holy Spirit washes us in spiritual rebirth and renewal. Jesus our Savior poured the Holy Spirit upon us.
How are we progressing in our sanctification? God’s kindness neutralizes our anger. I shared in a celebration service for a sister, servant and saint today. We mentioned that she was a loving person. Her granddaughter said, “Nena was always loving. But she became more and more loving as the years went on.” May this be our testimony, too. The Holy Spirit’s regenerative work in us suffices to prevent us from becoming more cranky and angry as we age. I know we may not yet who we ought to be. But by God’s mercy, we should not be who we used to be.
