The prize of our upward calling (part two)

2. The second step in cultivating a tree is to sow the seed

The good seed has been sowed, for it is written; “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because "All flesh [the other tree, the physical life] is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever"(1Peter 1:23).

This planting of the incorruptible seed or the grafting to the true vine was done according to; “God’s abundant mercy Who has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for us, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this we greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, we have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of our faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen we love. Though now we do not see Him, yet believing, we rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of our faith --- the salvation of our souls” (1Peter 1:3-5).

Because of this incorruptible seed which is now planted in us, or having been grafted to the true olive tree it is required of us that we put off, concerning our former conduct, the old man (the bad tree our sinful nature) which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of our mind, and that we put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4: 22-24).

Now to put on the new man it is to put on the nature of Jesus Christ which is one of true righteousness and holiness and therefore, it is imperative for us to know whether or not there is an ordained formula as to how this status of true righteousness and holiness can be attained and maintained.

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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYGDD7M

To be continued

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph