Overview of Consecration chapter
By nature we are alienated from God after the fall of our first parents. The Bible describes our condition like:
- dead in trespasses and sins; Ephesians 2:1
- the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint; Isaiah 1:5, 6
- no soundness in it; 2 Timothy 2:26
- taken captives by Satan, believing his deceptions.
The chapter explains God’s desires to heal us. This requires an
entire transformation.
In the renewing of our nature, we must yield ourselves wholly
to Him.
God does not force His creatures
He appeals to the intellect and the conscience.
Come now, and let us reason together; Isaiah 1:18.
Thus He invites us to look at the evidence of His love, mercy and goodness .
Additionally, He invites us to give Him:
- Homage willingly and intelligently.
- opportunity to work His will in us.
It is His purpose and wish for us to reach the highest possible development.
Now it is up to us to choose whether we will be:
- Set free from the bondage of sin.
- Partakers of the glorious liberty of the sons of God.
Subscribe to stay in the know
What has Christ given up for me?
The Son of God gave up all – life, love and suffering, for our redemption.
On the other hand – what do I give up, when I give all?
Only a sin-polluted heart for Jesus to:
- Cleanse by His own blood.
- Purify and save by His matchless love.
God does not need us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to keep.
All that He does, it is for the well-being of His children. So, His duties to us lead happiness to which the disobedient can never reach.
The joyous life of the soul is to have Christ formed within, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27.
So, any thinking and acting contrary to the will of God is self-injustice.
Moreover, the path of transgression is the path of destruction and death.
Bookmark this page in your browser
Understanding the right action of one’s will
I can’t change my heart. Additionally, I can’t give to God my affections.
But, I can choose to serve Him and give Him my will. This is the choice I have to make.
If I want be like Jesus, I would say and act as Jesus did:
Nevertheless not my will, but thine be done. Luke 22:42.
Then He will work in me to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13.
I am guided by His Spirit and receiving strength from above.
Thus my affections will be centered upon Him, and my thoughts will be in harmony with Christ.
By surrendering to God I am enabled to live the new life.
Summary on consecration
It is Christian’s privilege to deepen their consecration, bringing their will into conformity with God’s will.
So, they need to have a clear answer on the key points this chapter explores.
- Why is the warfare against self the greatest battle that was ever fought?
- Why do one need to understand the true power of the will – the power of decision or choice?
References:
- SC, 1892 – The Ellen G. White Estate
- The Bible, King James Version (KJV)
Find out more
- Download and listen to this chapter.
- Download the entire book Steps To Christ.
- Explore and download more from our curated collection here.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.
- What resonated with you most in this article, and why?
- How do you understand the importance of deciding and choosing in your Christian walk? Share more about it.
- Do you know and understand the will of God for you personally?
- Reach out if you need more information on this topic.
Leave a Reply