Introduction

With so many responsibilities and commands in the Bible, it seems impossible to live the Christian life. Jesus commands people love the Lord their God with all their being. The Father commands us to be holy as He is holy. When one really thinks about it, it seems impossible. One Christian said “If salvation was 99% God and 1% you, you would be lost.” That seems scary. Yet, there is one principle in the Bible which can give us comfort.

Salvation is All of God

Psalm 3:8 says, “Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people,” (ESV).

Likewise, Jesus says, “4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15: 4-5, ESV).

Furthermore, Paul says, “29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:29-30, ESV).

Implications

From these passages alone, we see that God is in control of the entire salvation process. God is in control of justifying His people and sanctifying His people in holiness. Likewise, God is in control of those who remain in Jesus to enable them to live the Christian life. The example Jesus gives is to bear fruit, so what does bearing fruit look like?

Bearing fruit it is the entire ministry of the Christian life. There are several occasions where the Bible mentions fruit.

Galatians 5:22-23: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (NKJV).

Hebrews 3:15: “Through Him then, let us continually offer up sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (NKJV).

Fruit keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:8, NKJV).

I believe Jesus is purposefully being ambiguous to incorporate all these elements of the Christian life including obedience and making disciples.

Who is Living the Christian Life?

This draws one to the question, “Who is living the Christian life?” Or we could ask, “Is it God living out the Christian life in me or me living in God?” The short answer is both. Paul said, “19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 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. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose” (Galatians 2:19-21, ESV).

Implications

We are not saved by law keeping, but by grace through faith in Christ. Yet, we are the one’s living in Christ. However, it is Christ living in us both to will and to work for God’s good pleasure. God gets all the credit. Yet, it is our responsibility to pray, guard God’s Word in our heart, and live for God. However, God’s Holy Spirit is Who drives us to do it.

How Does God Grow us in Grace?

There are several means of grace God uses to grow Christian holiness. These are called Scripture, prayer, and fellowship. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is the one who guides the Christian Walk.

“16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV).

“13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14, ESV). When you pray to grow in holiness and glorify God, He will answer that prayer.

“25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).

Conclusion

How can I live the Christian life? Believers can live the Christian life because of the calling of God and Jesus dying for our sin. Likewise, the Holy Spirit enables us to repent. Therefore, we can live the Christian life because of the power and mercy of God. Christ is the Source, Sustainer, and Supplier of Christian life. Since these things are true, Christians need to live like they are true. Christians need to live like Jesus died for them, because He did.

Dear Christian, hold fast to God’s Word, pray for holiness, and dwell with fellow believers. “19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV).

More From Striving for Eternity

If you want more information on studying the Bible and how to interpret it correctly, check out the store section at strivingforeternity.org/store. There are tons of resources to help you get started on your journey to interpreting the Bible better. Also, invite Andrew Rappaport and Aaron M. Brewster to come to your church and teach you biblical interpretation with their Biblical Interpretation Made Easy Seminar. Andrew Rappaport, Aaron M. Brewster, and other guests on Apologetics Live would also enjoy answering your questions on the live show on Thursdays from 7pm–9pm CST with the link to the stream yard at strivingforeternity.org/apologeticslive. Lord bless you and strive to make today and eternal day for Christ Jesus.