We have accepted today as normal thought that Christians are different from the world in one respect; They have a religious component to their lives. They go to church (albeit when convenient), own a bible (they may even occasionally read) and when really brave (or simply out of a sense of guilt) tell others of their need for religion (you want to go to heaven when you die, don’t you?)

The concept of actually becoming like Christ is either a mere ideal that might happen in heaven, or a heresy that should get one burned at the stake, albeit in a completely acceptable 21st century way.

The sad truth why people do not become like Christ is that they do not intend to. The agonizing truth of why they do not intend to is that they really don’t want to.

What lies at the heart of neither wanting nor intending to become like Christ? They simply do not see the need to. After all, my sins are forgiven, aren’t they? Am I not going to heaven when I die?

This is the inevitable result of a view of salvation that has replaced the new life we now have in Christ for one of its effects (forgiveness of sins).

When Peter denied Christ, he went out and wept bitterly. Why?
Because he had been warned? Because he had failed?
Rather, because he realized he was the kind of person who could do such a thing. And he wept at the person he still was and his need to become a different kind of person.

Jesus, his companion in life was not finished with him-he would make a ‘rock’ of him yet. Not for him, to him or without him. But the One that has say over everything would be with him every step of the way. If you know anything of church history-you know the kind of person Peter became.

Redemption is the impartation of life (forgiveness but one of its effects). A new kind of a life that will be poised to become like Christ’s very life, because it IS HIS LIFE. He really does live in you.

“Take my yoke upon you and learn of me. For I am meek and lowly in heart; and you will find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” Mt. 11:29-30