Neil T. Anderson - The Steps to Freedom in Christ (2017)

THE WHOLE GOSPEL

God created Adam and Eve in His image and in His likeness. They were both physically and spiritually alive. Being spiritually alive meant that their souls were in union with God. Living in a dependent relationship with their Heavenly Father, they were to rule over the birds of the sky, the beasts of the field, and the fish of the sea. They were accepted, secure, and significant. However, acting independently of God, they chose to disobey Him and their choice to sin separated them from God. They immediately felt fearful, anxious, depressed, and insecure. Because Eve was deceived by Satan and because Adam sinned, all their descendants are born physically alive, but spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). Since all have sinned (Romans 3:23), those who remain separated from God will struggle with personal and spiritual conflicts. Satan became the rebel holder of authority, and the god of this world. Jesus referred to him as the ruler of this world, and the Apostle John wrote that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19).

Jesus came to undo the works of Satan (1 John 3:8), and take upon Himself the sins of the world. By dying for our sins, Jesus removed the barrier that existed between God and those He created in His image. The resurrection of Christ brought new life to those who put their trust in Him. Every born-again believers soul is again in union with God and that is most often communicated in the New Testament with the prepositional phrases in Christ, or in Him. The Apostle Paul explained that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Apostle John wrote, But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (John 1:12 NKJV), and he also wrote, See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are (1 John 3:1).

No amount of effort on your part can save you, and neither can any religious activity, no matter how well intentioned. We are saved by faith, that is, by what we choose to believe. All that remains for us to do is put our trust in the finished work of Christ. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:89). If you have never received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can do so right now. God knows the thoughts and intentions of your heart, so all you have to do is put your trust in God alone. You can express your decision in prayer as follows:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. I acknowledge that I have sinned and that I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus came to give me life and by faith I now choose to receive You into my life as my Lord and Savior. May the power of Your indwelling presence enable me to be the person You created me to be. I pray that You would grant me repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth so that I can experience my freedom in Christ and be transformed by the renewing of my mind. In Jesus precious name I pray. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

Paul wrote, If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). Do you believe that God the Father raised Jesus from the dead? Did you invite Jesus to be your Lord and Savior? Then you are a child of God and nothing can separate you from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35). And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life (1 John 5:1112). Your Heavenly Father has sent His Holy Spirit to bear witness with your spirit that you are a child of God (Romans 8:16). You were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13, emphasis added). The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth (John 16:13).

RESOLVING PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL CONFLICTS

Since we are all born dead (spiritually) in our trespasses and sin (Ephesians 2:1), we had neither the presence of God in our lives nor the knowledge of His ways. Consequently, we all learned to live independently of God. When we became new creations in Christ our minds were not instantly renewed. That is why Paul wrote, Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will isHis good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2 NIV). That is why new Christians struggle with many of the same old thoughts and habits. Their minds have been previously programmed to live independently of God and that is the chief characteristic of our flesh. As new creations in Christ we have the mind of Christ, and the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth.

To experience our freedom in Christ, and grow in the grace of God, requires repentance, which literally means a change of mind. God will enable that process as we submit to Him and resist the devil (James 4:7). The Steps to Freedom in Christ (The Steps) are designed to help you do that. Submitting to God is the critical issue. He is the wonderful counselor and the One who grants repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:25). The Steps cover seven critical issues that affect our relationship with God. We will not experience our freedom in Christ if we seek false guidance, believe lies, fail to forgive others as we have been forgiven, live in rebellion, respond in pride, fail to acknowledge our sin, and continue in the sins of our ancestors. He who conceals transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes [renounces] them will find compassion (Proverbs 28:13). Therefore since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we renounced things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth (2 Corinthians 4:12).

Even though Satan is defeated, he still rules this world through a hierarchy of demons who tempt, accuse, and deceive those who fail to put on the armor of God, stand firm in their faith, and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Our sanctuary is our identity and position in Christ and we have all the protection we need to live a victorious life, but if we fail to assume our responsibility and give ground to Satan, we will suffer the consequences of our sinful attitudes and actions. The good news is, we can repent and reclaim all that we have in Christ, and that is what The Steps will enable you to do.