I get excited when I get confirmation for a blog post I’m thinking about during the week. This is one of those.

We are careful not to judge people by what they seem to be, though we once judged Christ in this way. Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:16-17‬ ‭CEV‬‬

The Bible plan I was reading with my husband spoke of the difference between salvation and sanctification and I think it is wise to look at those two words as I search to understand the idea of the old me and the new me.

The new me, the new creation, was instant the moment I accepted Christ’s sacrifice for me on the cross. He bore my sins, once. There is no need for him to go back to pay for my sins over and over anytime I slip up. This is salvation.

Christ did not have to offer himself many times. He wasn’t like a high priest who goes into the most holy place each year to offer the blood of an animal. If he had offered himself every year, he would have suffered many times since the creation of the world. But instead, near the end of time he offered himself once and for all, so he could be a sacrifice that does away with sin.

Hebrews‬ ‭9:25-26‬ ‭CEV‬‬

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.

1 Peter‬ ‭2:24‬ ‭NLT

So, one and done. Right!? Salvation✔️

I wish it were that easy.

I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

John‬ ‭17:15-17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Sanctification fills the space between accepting Jesus, and heaven. I’m now set apart and holy, and, I’m in the process of being freed from the influence of sin.

This is where the role of the Holy Spirit comes into play.

But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.

John‬ ‭16:7, 13a‬ ‭NLT‬‬

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John‬ ‭14:26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I like the word, champion, used as a description for an advocate. A champion is one who fights on behalf of another, just as the Holy Spirit fights to keep me from the evil one and reminds me of the truth of who I am in Christ.

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Ephesians‬ ‭4:23-24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Christian life is not a one and done deal. Though Christ’s sacrifice is complete, God’s purpose for my life is ongoing. Otherwise, I would be with him in heaven. And, because I am in the world the enemy will use my old nature as a wedge between God and me. Thank you, Father, for sending the Holy Spirit as my champion to fight and remind me of the new me that even now is complete in Christ.

Whew! This ended up being full of bonus scriptures. I pray that you will find a new revelation of who you are in these words.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

Image by Moshe Harosh from Pixabay