Paul Hiebert came up with an interesting idea: when you want to know what a Christian is, don’t define the boundary (are you Baptised, do you come to Church, do you pray), but define the direction (are you growing in faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly-kindness and love – see 2 Pet 1:5-7).
Baptism (as Confirmation) is once-only – a check-box on your CV; but being a Christian is an every-day thing like eating or breathing, and it’s not about whether you read your Bible and prayed today but about whether you are living ‘in Christ’ and seeing the Holy Spirit at work in your life.
Peter explains that to not be growing in these things makes us short-sighted or even blind – which gives us something of a spiritual eye test.
“make every effort to confirm your calling and election.” 2 Pet 1:10.
- That they may be One
- An amazing privilege, a mission of praise