At salvation we received two benefits. The first benefit is Justification. That is freedom from the penalty of sin. We no longer have to go to hell. We can spend eternity in heaven. The second benefit is sanctification. This is freedom from the power of sin. The book of Romans tells us that sin should no longer have dominion over us, for we are not under the law (where man does the work) but we are under grace (where God does the work).
Of course we understand that Justification (freedom from hell and the privilege of heaven as our eternal destiny) is a benefit that cannot be enjoyed until we die or Christ returns. In other words, the benefit of justification is a future benefit of the heaven bound believer.
Yet, the benefits of Sanctification are intended by God to be enjoyed here on earth. The future benefits of justification are sealed when we accept information about Christ, but the benefits of sanctification are enjoyed when we develop a personal relation with Christ.
It is sad but true that many Christians today do not enjoy this personal, intimate relationship with Jesus. Without it, we will find our Christian life to be characterized by ups and downs. Victory coupled with long bouts of defeat. Christ promised an abundant Christian life. This is nothing more than the redundant Christian life.
The reason we find ourselves missing out on the benefits of our sanctification (which are the fruits of the Spirit in the face of adversity) is because we overlook the value of our personal relation while finding contentment in the acquisition of more information. Like Adam and Eve in the garden, we want to know more about God rather than to develop our walk with God.
The Hidden Life is a term that I have designed to describe what I believe is the Truth about victorious Christian living. It’s not about information; it’s about a personal relation.
But how do you have the intimate personal relation? Well, thanks to the prince of the world and his powers and authorities, that information is hidden! Just like the devil hides justification from the unbeliever, he hides the benefits of sanctification from the believer.
Simply put the "Hidden Life" is best described as excercising a measure of confidence (that's faith) in God's ability to do the work (that's grace) necesary in my life to conform me to the image of His Son (that's fruit) through a daily walk with Him. I will not do the work (that's performing) I will allow the work to be done in me (that's transforming). I must realize that God did not come to change my life (that's self-righteousness). He came to exchange it (that's righteousness)! As a result, I will die daily through confession and repentance of all sin that is brought to my conscience by the Holy Spirit during my daily walk and throughout the day. As I do this, I will experience a greater enlightenment in my worship. My enlivened worship will then provide me with the most coveted act of the Spirit, and thatis intuition. With Holy Spirit intuition, I will be a clean vessel and qualify for God's power on my walk and work.
This "Hidden Life" or victorious Christian living is the key to ones recovery to the left you will find articles that explain truths on how to experience victory, and permanent recovery.
