What happens after God declares you righteous?
Several people in a Bible study class I led were fixated on “the decision.” Just say you believe in Jesus, and that’s it.
Me, being me, asked, “What comes next?”
Blank stares greeted my question.
Paul answers that question specifically in this letter in chapters 12-15:13. Paul lays out a story or picture of what someone living in grace acts like.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
John Wesley thought on these things. He described this as a manifestation of living in God’s grace.
Sanctifying Grace – This grace works in believers after justification to gradually transform them into the likeness of Christ. Wesley emphasized that this is an ongoing process of spiritual growth and moral purification that continues throughout the Christian life.
Let us think on this outline. Think about how much of it sounds like Jesus. I am amazed at how much Paul writes that sounds just like Jesus.
- Living sacrifice
- Genuine love
- Hate evil
- Love one another, etc.
- Subject to authorities
- Love your neighbor
- Don’t judge
- Don’t make another stumble
- Please others before yourself
- Jews & Gentiles (again)
Reading these thoughts periodically will refresh us and restore us to a proper way of life. We can try living in the spirit.
Faith Venture 
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