The Apostle Paul wrote, “If ye are Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise,” Galatians Those who are begotten with the Holy Spirit are heirs of the Abrahamic promise: “…in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed,” Genesis 12:3. This teaches that there is the Abrahamic seed which will bless all mankind.
The high calling is God’s invitation to receive salvation now and to become a part of the blesser class, the Christ. Jesus invited: “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me,” Mark 8:34.
Following Jesus in this present world is tough. Our fallen flesh opposes us, but “those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires,” Galatians 5:24. The present evil world and the devil oppose us. John 15:19, “you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” 1 Peter 5:8, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Throughout our walks, we learn to deny our own wills and obey God’s will. And just as Jesus suffered, we suffer. “Yet learned he (Jesus) obedience by the things which he suffered,” Hebrews 5. Our obedience matures and crystalizes our characters. 2 Peter 1:5-7, 10-11 (NKJV), “…giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love…be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things…an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Developing a Christ-like character now qualifies us to reign in Christ’s kingdom. “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him,” 2 Timothy 2:12. Those who are faithful will receive a heavenly resurrection. “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life,” Revelation 2:10. They will be sympathetic kings and priests who will bless mankind in the resurrection. (See Revelation 20:4.)
So, have you been called to follow Jesus? Then humbly deny your will and follow our blessed Savior’s example.
However, if this narrow way was not what you were envisioning, then take heart. You and all mankind will receive the blessing of salvation in the resurrection.
For a more detailed study about being a Christian, download the free PDF: "Why Are You a Christian?"
