Press On!
by George J. Stroh
March 25, 2013
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)
The Apostle Paul's life goal was to be more like his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As created beings, we will never be equal to God, our Creator, or share His attributes of deity. But we are being conformed to the glorious image and righteous character of Jesus Christ. Having been justified by faith in Christ, we are now being sanctified by faith and someday we will also be glorified by faith; For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son... (Romans 8:29)
Justification, sanctification and glorification are all the work of God. Nevertheless, we, like Paul, are to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. As those who have been justified by faith in the finished work of Christ, God has declared us to be righteous before Him. That is our righteous standing or position in Christ. Now we, according to His power, are to bring our practice into conformity with our righteous position.
Satan can do nothing about your salvation and Justification. But he does try to retard your sanctification towards Christlikeness. He does this by getting us to take our eyes off the goal. Sometimes we are like a sprinter who is running aimlessly, distracted from the race, discouraged, tired and ready to quit. Paul tells us to get back on the track and press on toward the goal!
Pressing on means not simply relying on your past godly accomplishments and victories in Christ, but reaching forward to what lies ahead. And you must also forget about your past sins and failures. No matter how you feel or what anyone tells you, all of your sins, all of your past, present and future sins have been forgiven in Christ. Remember, you are justified forever before God! So get back in the race and press on Christian! Maranatha!
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