IF THERE IS a question mark in the minds of some: “my ways”? They are “my ways,” not “my ways in Christ,” therefore they are not unique and are not contributive. They tread the treadmill of egocentric barrenness. If there is that question, then the answer is to be found in our next passage: “Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor sexual perverts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:9–11). This is one of the most amazingly redemptive passages in literature. Those on skid row were turned into those who were marching upward—upward to the most amazing destiny conceivable. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:18). These deeply sin-dyed Corinthians were “being changed into his likeness”—the likeness of the most moral and the most beautiful character that ever lived, or ever will live! What a destiny! Nothing higher can be imagined. Yet it was a fact. “And such were some of you.” Paul includes them: “And we all.” The most hopeful thing ever written! The worst can become the best and highest.
How was this done? By struggling and trying? No, by surrender to grace: “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” Note the order: washed, sanctified, justified. The order seems theologically wrong; it apparently should read: justified, washed, sanctified. Is the order wrong, or profoundly right? I believe it is right, and significantly right; justified comes last.
O Christ, Thou dost not merely redeem from; Thou dost redeem to —to the likeness of Thine own image. We are dumbfounded at the idea, and yet we are filled with unutterable joy and expectation. We thank Thee. Amen.
AFFIRMATION FOR THE DAY: My past is past—buried in His love; my present is His, my future unfolds in Him.
