Concept of the new life in christ jesus stages
The concept of the new life in Christ Jesus is a central theme in Christianity, particularly in the New Testament. It refers to the transformation that takes place in a person's life when they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Here are the stages of the new life in Christ Jesus:
Stage 1: Spiritual Death (Ephesians 2:1-3)
Before accepting Christ, we are spiritually dead, separated from God, and under the dominion of sin. We are unable to please God or live a righteous life on our own.
Stage 2: Regeneration (John 3:3-7)
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are born again, and our spirit is regenerated. We receive new life, and our relationship with God is restored.
Stage 3: Justification (Romans 3:24-25)
Through faith in Christ, we are justified, or declared righteous, before God. Our sins are forgiven, and we are given a new standing before God.
Stage 4: Sanctification (1 Corinthians 6:11)
As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we are sanctified, or set apart, for God's purposes. We become more like Christ, and our lives are transformed to reflect His character.
Stage 5: Glorification (Romans 8:29-30)
One day, we will be glorified, and our bodies will be transformed to be like Christ's glorious body. We will be fully conformed to His image, and we will live eternally with Him.
Stage 6: Eternal Life (John 3:16)
As believers, we have the promise of eternal life, which begins the moment we accept Christ and continues into eternity. We will live forever with God, free from sin and its consequences.
Additional Stages:
- Fellowship with God (1 John 1:3-4): As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we experience fellowship with God, which is characterized by intimacy, guidance, and empowerment.
- Spiritual Growth (2 Peter 3:18): As we continue to walk with Christ, we experience spiritual growth, which is marked by increased knowledge, wisdom, and maturity.
- Service to God (Romans 12:1-2): As we are transformed by Christ, we are motivated to serve God and others, using our gifts and talents to glorify Him.
These stages are not necessarily linear, and believers may experience them in different ways and at different times. However, they provide a general outline of the transformative process that takes place in a person's life when they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.