I think that this is one of the most important studies to come out of this issue of ‘Every Day with Jesus’.
Here is Selwyn’s conclusion: “… I still meet people who talk about following Jesus’ example. He is our example, of course, but merely following Jesus’ example (by using our own energy) produces a fruitless type of Christianity. The Holy Spirit (God) gives us the power not simply to imitate Christ; He imparts to us the energy by which Christ Himself lived. It’s impartation, not imitation, that makes for effective Christian living.”
In John 14:11-13 (NLT), we read: “Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.
I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [Then, the Holy Spirit will come to you.]
You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.”
This is the truth – if you have God living in you, you can do what God wills, for His glory. By yourself, even if you are trying to follow Jesus – you will do nothing better, than any non-Christian. Do you agree?
Imitation vs impartation
I think that this is one of the most important studies to come out of this issue of ‘Every Day with Jesus’.
Here is Selwyn’s conclusion: “… I still meet people who talk about following Jesus’ example. He is our example, of course, but merely following Jesus’ example (by using our own energy) produces a fruitless type of Christianity. The Holy Spirit (God) gives us the power not simply to imitate Christ; He imparts to us the energy by which Christ Himself lived. It’s impartation, not imitation, that makes for effective Christian living.”
In John 14:11-13 (NLT), we read: “Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.
I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [Then, the Holy Spirit will come to you.]
You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.”
This is the truth – if you have God living in you, you can do what God wills, for His glory. By yourself, even if you are trying to follow Jesus – you will do nothing better, than any non-Christian. Do you agree?