fbpx

Living the Christian Life: A Help to Our Wellbeing

The foundation for a Christian life

The term Christian life refers to our how we live as a believer. The two preconditions below are the basis of a healthy Christian life.

  • Salvation
    • Being saved by grace, having received the forgiveness of sins through Christ death on the cross and resurrection to new life
    • Salvation by faith in Christ is the needed door that allows entry into all of God’s blessings on this earth and eternal life
  • Security of salvation – We can only adequately live a fruitful Christian life when we are confident of our salvation.
    • If a person does not believe in Christ for salvation, they do not have the understanding or capacity to live the Christian life (Romans 3:10-18). Further, if we are not convinced that God keeps us to salvation then we will have only limited confidence to live as a Christian and serve God.

Progressing from Salvation (Hebrew 6:1-2)

Once saved and knowing we are secure, how do we then mature in our faith after salvation?

  • Three sanctifications – Critical to understanding the Christian life are the three different sanctifications. These are defined in the Dallas Theological Seminary doctrinal statement and are very useful. Sanctification as a term is defined by our setting apart as holy to God. Please see Figure 1.

 

    • The three sanctifications defined:
      • First or past sanctification – This is legal holiness based on our forgiveness of sins by Christ’s death in the cross through faith. We are created new beings in Christ who can serve him.
      • Second or present sanctification – This are our actions by which become holy as we live a life of faith and obedient in our service to God throughout our lifetime.
      • Third or future sanctification – This is the change in our bodies at the rapture that become holy; completing the sanctification process.
    • The sanctifications do not mix – Importantly, the three sanctifications are separate in implementation and do not mingle with each other. Further, we progress through them one at a time and we cannot return to the prior sanctification! Please see Figure 2.

  • Transition from first to second sanctification – When Christ was resurrected to new life He then ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father (Hebrews 8:1). This action signified that His glorious work in bringing salvation to man was finished! His sacrifice was sufficient for all sins for all time and did not need to be repeated (Hebrews 10:10-19). His sacrificial work being complete, Christ now heads continuously the church and helps believers in their Christian life.
    • Likewise, as Christians when we believed on salvation and received forgiveness (Romans 3:23-26) it was once for all time. We also were resurrected to new life and sit at the right hand of God the Father with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-9).
    • Consequently, our work of being saved is finished. We now serve Christ continuously through the church (second sanctification). We do not need to revisit our first sanctification.
    • So as Christ was resurrected to new life we also are resurrected to new life through Him (Romans 6:2-9). As Christ’s saving work was finished on the cross, so our process to salvation was finished at conversion. As a new regenerated person we are now able and free to serve Him, unburdened with insecurities over the security of our salvation or if God may not accept us for some sin.
  • Transition from the 2nd to the 3rd sanctification – When Christ comes again in the clouds to take his church home our bodies will be changed instantaneously to a heavenly body (1 Thessalonians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 15:49-54). When this occurs, believers who are still living will be separated from their current Christian life and sanctification will be complete.

Goals for the Christian life

Tools for leading the Christian life

  • The Bible – We are to accept God’s word as a true guide for our lives (1 Thessalonians 1:6). In Paul’s informative prayer in Colossians 1:9-14, he indicates the importance of approaching our Christian life in a knowledgeable way (verse 9). Accordingly, to act correctly (verse 10) we first must know how to think. We do this first by knowing God’s Word, especially the epistles in the New Testament (Romans to Revelation 3). This is the section meant specifically to provide directions for the church age.
    • Biblical authority for the Christian life – The Bible speaks of accepting God’s word and using it as a basis for how we live our lives (2 Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 6:17; 2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 6:14; Titus 1:3). Consequently, we receive not only the will of God and the benefits of the Spirit but also a healthy mind and good wellbeing through the Christian life as outlined in the Bible (1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:7).
    • Far from being restrictive, the Epistles (the section meant for the church-time believers) liberate us by teaching us wisdom and truth … with very few commands! It allows us to live a life of faith without being deceived by damaging practices in the world (1 Timothy 4:4-5). The Bible is our guide book for life. As we live in faith we prove God is working within us with the accompanying joy of seeing Him bring fruit into our lives (Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9).
  • God and Leadership Teleios ResearchGod’s Power – God’s power in the New Testament for believers is manifested generally in two ways:
    • Through the gospel (Romans 1:16-17) – This is the power of God to salvation! The Spirit is active in the salvation process by convicting unbelievers of their sin (John 16:10).
    • In the Christian life (Ephesians 6:10-17) – The magnificent armor of God passage is critical to understanding our Christian life because it instructs us how to access God’s power by describing a Greek hoplite soldier and his armament. Often Christians wonder how they can know the power of God. These great verses describe it! However, it is also important in showing the role of the Spirit because His mighty actions are linked to each of the pieces of armor in other scripture.
      • Truth (our belt to prepare us V.14) – Living in truth is a fruit of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:9) and prepares our mind to make proper decisions and actions.
      • Righteousness (our breastplate V.14) – A fruit of the Spirit is a holy heart that is set apart to serve God and perceives and rejects sin (Ephesians 5:9).
      • Share the gospel (the shoes to carry us to battle V.15) – By telling others the message of salvation we see the power of God to change others and positively affect our society, which is assisted by the Spirit (Romans 1:16-17; 2 Timothy 1:7; John 16:8-11).
      • Faith (our shield V.16) – A fruit of the Spirit also is faith in which we make our decisions and what God desires from us (Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 14:23).
      • Eternal security (our helmet V.17) – The sound knowledge of our security of salvation protects our heads as we face troubles in this world and its function is from the Spirit (Romans 15:13; Romans 8:16).
      • The Bible (our sword V.17) – The power of God we experience in our Christian life is through the action of the Spirit in accordance to the Bible (Hebrews 4:12).

What great truths! These passages tell us how the Spirit acts in our lives to cause us to please God and to experience His power.

  • The Holy Spirit
    • Many scriptures detail helpful attributes God desires us to have. One of the most important is stated in Galatians 5:22-23 which discusses the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, humility and self-control.
    • As they are a fruit of the Spirit, how can they be gained?
    • In general, there are three roles in the Christian’s relationship with the Spirit. These roles can be used to gain the 9 attributes of the fruit of the Spirit as well as other godly characteristics that can improve our lives.
      • Non-variable actions of the Spirit: A Christian should first realize they possess the Holy Spirit permanently: He dwells inside us with all of His available power (Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5); Further the Spirit placed us in the church and He is our seal (guarantee) of salvation and cannot be removed (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30).
      • Variable actions of Christians: It is only believers themselves who can limit the action of the Spirit in their lives. Therefore, we are told to “walk” (i.e., conduct our lifestyle) in the Spirit and become mature in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18). We do this by being obedient and seeking the attributes of God through scripture. In contrast, we are told not to quench or grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19)
      • Variable actions of the Spirit: If allowed, the Spirit through the word of God can empower our lives, put to death the deeds of the flesh, and comfort us that we are God’s children (Romans 8:13-16), changes us to godliness (2 Corinthians 3:18) and help produce in us the 9 fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
      • Not only may these characteristics contribute potentially to better personal wellbeing, but their presence is a measure of our maturity as a believer and a marker that we are led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:18; Romans 8:14).
      • Other verses also speak about wonderful attributes the Christian may acquire from the Spirit (Romans 15:13; Romans 8:6; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 14:17; Ephesians 5:9).
  • Borders for the Christian Life – God’s Commands – God’s admonishments for the Christian life exist to fulfill two general purposes from our holy Father:
    • Maintain an orderly society – These are reflected in commands such as “do not murder” or “do not steal” and are often repeated from the Old Testament. God’s order commands are interspersed throughout the epistles. In general, His commands are few and protective to us and society, leaving us a broad path in life in which He wants us to live by faith to serve Him.
      • Note: Old Testament and gospel commands – These commands reflect God’s holiness. Nonetheless, they are dictates for another time when God administered His people differently. We obey commands within the epistles because these are for the church.
      • For example, God’s command to stone adulterers in the Old Testament law (Exodus 21:28) reflected His righteous character and teaches about His hatred for sin. However, Christians are not commanded to stone adulterers!
      • The command to punish adulterers was intended for a generally undisciplined and uneducated slave population of Jews whom God purchased by redeeming them out of Egypt. The Old Testament Law was to teach them not only about God and Messiah, but also to keep order in their society. In the church times we are administrated through the epistles and the church as well as we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

 

    • To live a wise and godly life – Like the order commands, these are interspersed throughout the epistles and provide wisdom about how to lead our Christian lives. Interestingly, much research published in the medical literature has shown that when these dictates are followed they increase wellbeing, such as having hope, forgiveness, thankfulness, and joy.
      • God made us and He knows our psychological profile and what is healthy for us. Further, Teleios’ research has shown that Christians who study the Bible and practice what it says on average have better wellbeing.

Results of God’s Word in our Lives – What are the results of the Christian Life by practicing the 5 tools maturity using the tools above? These results are discussed in the Bible and are profound. Although mentioned throughout the New Testament epistles, below are some key passages which discuss the results of the Christian life in a mature person.

 

Teleios Research

  • Study #1, Peace
    • Do you have personal peace – peace with God, peace with family and friends, peace of mind? Peace is one of the great quests of mankind! For those who know God through faith, personal peace is mentioned as one of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) that He desires us to have.
    • Is it true? Can somebody who is a Christian have personal peace? We explored this topic in a study performed in Bartlesville, OK at Grace Community Church (1). On one Sunday, at two services, we asked the adult population to complete a questionnaire regarding different aspects of their wellbeing including peace, as well as their adherence to the practice of their faith (prayer, praise, faith, outreach and growing in knowledge of scripture) (Acts 2:42,47, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:23-26, John 10:27-30).
    • The results of the survey showed on a visual analog scale of 0-6 the average level of peace was 1.8 for the entire congregation (0 being most and 6 being least) – not bad! However, when we separated the congregation into groups based on adherence to faith there was a highly significant difference between groups, with the more adherent group having greater peace!
    • What explains the finding? Well we don’t know for certain, but four potential reasons come to mind.
      • The practice of Christianity causes us to focus on a higher being that has purposes higher than our own. This focus may make help take our mind away from our own anxious thoughts.
      • Christianity provides for prayer to a merciful great high priest, Jesus Christ, who cares for our every time and need (Hebrews 4:14-16).
      • The Holy Spirit Himself promises to furnish peace as a ‘fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Those Christians who are more adherent provide the Spirit a greater opportunity to act in their lives (Ephesians 6:17).
      • We know knowledge is power. Christianity furnishes an excellent text, the Bible, which teaches us the truths about God so we know how to think of ourselves correctly and do not believe lies about God.
      • Christianity urges us to reach out and touch others within our faith and to provide community service. Consequently, this helps us not to concentrate on our own anxieties and issues (2).
  • How can I get peace?
    • Make sure you are a Christian and know that your sins have been forgiven by faith in Christ.
    • Realize that God accepts you and this great salvation cannot be taken away.
    • Practice your faith, balanced between the 5 tools of maturity, will help build the mindset and practices which the Spirit can use to build peace.

It takes time and commitment, but you can do it. The fruits are there and blessings beyond measure.

  • Study #2, Good characteristics to enhance wellbeing – forgiveness, gratitude, hope and empathy
    • The benefits of maturing in Christ are multiple and are mentioned throughout the New Testament. Teleios recently reviewed the published medical literature regarding four Bible-based characteristics shown beneficial for wellbeing: forgiveness, gratitude, hope and empathy (3).
    • In our article we reviewed clinical studies covering these four characteristics in patients from 1966 to present. We included 63 articles in the review.
    • All four measures evaluated in our study were shown to improve wellbeing, from pre-adolescents to older adults. Further, these measures were associated more specifically with improved social relationships and physical health as well as reduced delinquent behavior.
    • Although our review focused on the effects of four specific measures on individuals themselves, and not on the recipient, we might speculate that any increase in wellbeing among the evaluated individuals could transmit a greater sense of wellbeing to others. The source of the four evaluated parameters also was evaluated and only two primary sources were found!
      • Secular training – Forgiveness, gratitude and empathy could be taught, at least to some degree, through classes or a training module. Hope has not been evaluated in a training module to our knowledge.
      • Religious faith – A person’s religious faith, or their involvement in a community of believers, appeared positively associated with all four evaluated measures. How the measure was developed through religion was not completely clear. We might speculate that forgiveness, gratitude, hope and empathy were produced through knowledge of the religion’s scriptures, through self-learning or sermons, or through interactions within the faith community. Importantly, almost all articles evaluated in our review were from traditionally Christian countries.
  • Our review suggests that forgiveness, gratitude, hope and empathy may improve general wellbeing, pro-social and positive relational behavior and demonstrate positive health effects. These four measures may be derived from religious instruction and through a faith community.

In summary, God provides a solid foundation for our Christian lives based on our great salvation in Jesus Christ, the comfort of the knowledge of our eternal security, and then our maturing in Christ. This includes the goals of: being like God by using the 5 tools of to maturity (praise, prayer, fellowship, outreach and learning scripture), all in power of the Holy Spirit, while we are being obedient to God’s commands yet living a life of great freedom in faith.  

We are blessed to have such a wise God who has provided to us everything we need for now and the future.

 

  1. MacIlvaine WR, Nelson LA, Stewart JA, Stewart WC. Association of strength of religious adherence to quality of life measures. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2013;19:251-255
  2. MacIlvaine WR, Nelson LA, Stewart JA, Stewart WC. Association of strength of community service to personal wellbeing. Community Ment Health J 2014;50:577-582.
  3. Stewart WC, Reynolds KE, Jones LJ, Stewart JA, Nelson LA. The source and impact of specific parameters that enhance well-being in daily life. J Rel Health 2016;55:1326-1335.
Share This