God intends conversion to be a growth process with the aim or goal to become like Christ. The process includes yielding to God to be led by His Spirit to get rid of materialism, self-centeredness, bad habits of character and bad attitudes. In their place, God desires growth in the fruits of the Spirit, especially in love toward God and love of the brethren. This doctrine comprises the bulk of the behavioral instruction, correction, exhortation and admonition of the Bible.
Scripture References:
Hebrews 6:1; 5:10-12; Matthew 5:48; Hebrews 2:10; 5:9; 13:21; James 1:4; II Corinthians 13:9; I Peter 2:2; II Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:7-15
From the Library: Perfection, Going On To
Basic Doctrines: Going On to Perfection
Bible Study by StaffJust what is perfection? Paul admonishes us to go on to perfection, urging diligence in becoming complete and mature, following those who endured great trials. Perfection entails completeness, ripeness, and the fullness of the stature of Christ, embodying traits such as being without spot or blemish, sound, undefiled, whole, and …
Going On to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though everything we need in this quest has been given to us, our spiritual growth depends on believing in the promises of receiving the divine nature.
Going on to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe are bombarded by technology, competing for our attention, causing us to drift from our spiritual quest. God expects us to continue to mature spiritually.
Where Is God's True Church Today?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhere can we find the true religion, the true church, in all this confusion? Only the church Christ founded and heads today has the answers to eternal life.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe preaching the gospel to the world is at best the beginning of a complex process of creating disciples through steady feeding and encouragement to overcome.
Growing to Perfection
Article by Charles WhitakerSpiritual growth mimics our physical growth to maturity. If we continue in the process, we will 'grow into' our potential as God's children.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod inspired the book of Hebrews to answer the difficult questions church members were struggling with during the tumultuous first decades of the church.
Keeping God's Standards
Sermon by John O. ReidGod's law will be the spiritual weights and measures in the Kingdom, but until then, we must glorify God by keeping these standards as a bright light.
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