growing up into christ (3)

Many have an idea that they must do some part of the work alone.They have in Christ for the forgiveness of sin,but now they seek by their own efforts to live aright.But every such effort must fail.Jesus says,"Without Me ye can do nothing." our growth in grace,our joy, our usefulness all depend upon our union with Christ.It is by communion with Him, daily hourly by abiding in Him that we are to grow in grace.He is not only the author but the finisher of our faith.Its is Christ first and last and always.He is to be with us,not only at the beginning and the end of our course,but at every step of the way.David says,"I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand,i shall not be moved."

Do you ask,"How am I to abide in Christ?"In the same way as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him." The just shall live by faith. You gave yourself to God ,to be His wholly,to serve and obey Him,and you took Christ as your Savior.You could not yourself atone for your sins or change your heart: but having given yourself to God,you believed that He for Christ sake did all this for you.By faith you became Christ's and by faith you are to grow up in Him by giving and taking.you are to give all your heart,your will,your service give yourself to Him to obey all His requirements; and you must take all Christ,the fullness of all blessing,to abide in your heart,to be your strength,your righteousness,your everlasting helper to give you power to obey.