Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 11/26/2011

Question
ASV: Ephesians Chapter 4

[11] And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
[12] for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:
[13] till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, *unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:*


ASV: Galatians Chapter 4

[19] My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be (fully)formed in you—


ASV: Galatians Chapter 3

[2] This only would I learn from you. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now perfected (matured) in the flesh?


How many christians even believe this is possible? How many christians are even taught this is the mandate of the Lord for every believer?

Bar.

Answer
Hello Bar.
Thank you for your question. I am sure you do not expect me to know the literal answer. I assume you are asking for a comment from me on the point you make. I agree most strongly that not enough is taught about what is possible for believers to attain by grace in terms of the likeness of Jesus. All too often the doctrine of sanctification is taught with very low expectations. The norm of Christian discipleship should be the constant changing from one degree of glory to another. By not placing before people what is fully possible in the power of the Spirit we effectively hinder them from aspiring in faith to all that Christ has made possible for us.
I hope these comments are of some encouragement to you.
Stuart Woodward