2 Timothy 3:15-17
You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (NLT)

Looking back on my time as a goalie for my high school and club soccer teams, I have bittersweet memories. It was a huge time investment with practice and games, and it really cranked my anxiety to a 10 because there wasn’t room for error in my position, but it also taught me a lot. Fun fact: If memory serves, I was the most improved player for my club team for about three seasons in a row. That sounds really great, except it also kind of indicates that I started off with, let’s say… room for improvement.

One of my favorite parts about how salvation works is the distinction between justification and sanctification—the idea that at baptism, we’re justified (an action on God’s part) and set on a path toward sanctification that was previously impossible for us to be on. Sanctification is the path toward holiness, or more simply, a path toward who God wants us to be. Righteousness, as referenced in the verses above from 2 Timothy, is defined as “the quality of being morally right or justifiable.” Being trained in righteousness helps our actions reflect that we are both justified (at baptism) and on a path of sanctification.

Speaking of our Scripture verses of the day—they happen to be about, well, the importance of reading Scripture! Reading and applying God’s Word and pursuing righteousness are our responses to God’s work of making justification possible for us. We are saved through our faith and trust in Jesus, and as a result, our renewed spirit drives us toward action that builds and reflects righteousness.

I find great comfort in the way God’s salvation intertwines the miraculous, saving grace of Jesus with our lives and with His work here on earth, and puts us on a path that brings us closer to Him as we grow to know Him and become like Him.

Tuesday’s Reflection

Looking for another way to grow with Jesus? If you’re not part of a Southland Group, I’d encourage you to try one out so you can connect with people who are seeking to grow with Jesus, too! Click here to check out what groups we currently have available.