.....growing

 Growing in Christ: Rooted in Grace, Growing in Grace

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18

Before we talk about growth, we have to be honest about the root. No branch grows healthy fruit if it's disconnected from the vine — and no Christian grows in godliness by trying harder to be good. Growth in Christ only makes sense once we've settled the foundation: salvation is a gift, not a wage. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast" Ephesians 2:8-9.

This is the ground every believer stands on. Not our performance. Not our record. His righteousness, received by faith. Once that's settled, something wonderful happens — obedience stops being a transaction and becomes a response. We don't obey to be loved; we obey because we already are.

From Justified to Transformed

The Gospel doesn't stop at forgiveness — it moves us forward into transformation. Paul says it plainly: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" Galatians 2:20. Growth in Christ isn't self-improvement with a Bible verse attached. It's Christ's life increasingly expressed through ours, as we abide in Him daily.

"That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but presumption. 'By grace are ye saved through faith.' But 'faith, if it hath not works, is dead.' Ephesians 2:8; James 2:17." — Steps to Christ, p. 61 

Abiding, Not Striving

Jesus gave us the picture Himself: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" John 15:5. Notice — fruit isn't manufactured, it's the natural outcome of connection. Prayer, Scripture, worship, obedience — these aren't hoops to jump through to earn favor. They're the means by which we stay connected to the Source.

A Question to Sit With: Where in your walk lately have you been striving instead of abiding — trying to produce growth instead of simply staying connected to the Vine?

Lord, thank You that my standing before You rests on what Christ has already done, not on what I can do. Teach me today to abide in Him — not to earn Your love, but because I already have it. Let my life bear fruit that is unmistakably Yours