Those who are saved will indeed be conformed to the image of Christ through the process of sanctification (1 Corinthians 6:11). When a person is saved, the Holy Spirit breaks the bondage of sin and gives the believer a new heart and a desire to seek holiness. This Truth Matters will inevitably separate true believers from those not genuinely saved. It's one of those tests of life. God writes: “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). This test is essentially this: Is the image of Christ...obedience to God's Word...the convicting work of the Holy Spirit increasingly present in your life? If not, check yourself to see if you've truly repented of your sins and clung to the cross and the Savior. While the Christian life is one of vigilance and commitment, the fact is, regenerated believers will increasingly “ooze” Christ's characteristics...the main one is unconditional love (agape).

The amazing fact of genuine Christianity is that we are now new creatures...that is, we operate differently. Not because we have hoops to jump through, but because Christ-likeness becomes increasingly natural to us. This is a magnificent testimony to the power of the gospel. Like the Apostle Paul testified: “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). My prayer for you and me this day is this: Lord...we thank You for the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We want You to “ooze” out of our lives increasingly. Amen.

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.