Commands Or Declarations?

When first called as adopted children to the kingdom of heaven, our initial impression of God's word, as revealing as it is, brings about a mighty conviction to the conscience and obedience appears to be of one's own choice and abilities. However, as we submit ourselves to the effectual process of sanctification upon our souls, choice and abilities become understood as election and declarations. What is arguable to the unbeliever and new believer alike, will ultimately stand as sovereign doctrine to those whom it has been revealed. Every command for obedience and every plea for holiness is actually a prophetic pronunciation of a promise and a present reality that immediately belongs to everyone chosen by God, but has yet to be fulfilled in the believer's mind. Not an if, then or a when, then scenario, rather "...it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me".

In as much as scriptures declare the glory of God, they also declare the depravity of humanity. We are hardwired for depravity (Romans 11:32), and all of the unholy behaviors of man will be exposed by the Spirit He has caused to live in us. Therefore, along with the fulfillment of His promises of redemption and abundant life, we can also expect that the fullness of our fallen nature will not be merely realized, but wholly experienced. This is the reality of our sanctification, whereby He creates in us a heart of flesh from stone; repentance from defiance; contrition from arrogance. Holiness has been commanded; and like the genesis of creation that came into existence by the spoken Word, so our lives, through His commands upon us shall become declarations of His promises...both the good and the bad...the holy and the unholy...for our sanctification, and to His glory.

PJR

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)