We are changed by beholding Jesus continually.

While we are participating and proceeding in the program of restoration, marching along in the light of God's will, forsaking all other interests in order that we may follow Jesus with a perfect heart, the blood of God's Lamb is cleansing us from all sin. God sees us perfect in Christ. Here is a foundational aspect of new-covenant grace.

But if we are not proceeding in the program of restoration, are not marching along in the light of God's will, are not forsaking all in order that we may follow Jesus, then God will judge our sins and discipline us. If we repent He will put us back on the track of restoration. But if we refuse and rebel we will be treated as an adversary of God (Hebrews 10:27).

The new covenant is the writing of God's laws in our mind and in our heart (Hebrews 8:10). It is a transformation of how we think and how we are motivated and act. Christ is the Word made flesh. We are the flesh being created the Word of God.

But our transformation is a gradual process of restoration:

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (Isaiah 28:10)

Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: . . . . (Hosea 6:3)

The patient, detailed work of restoration is portrayed in the third chapter of the Book of Nehemiah as the wall and gates of Jerusalem were restored. Careful attention is paid to "the beams thereof," and "the doors thereof," and "the locks thereof," and "the bars thereof" (verse three).

The redemption of the human being is a gradual process. The writings of the New Testament assume that this process begins the moment we receive Christ as our personal Lord and Savior.

When any human being comes to Christ he is forgiven all his sins. This is true no matter how wicked he is or considers himself to be or how righteous he thinks he is. He is forgiven.

But his conversion assumes two facts:

He genuinely has repented of his sins against God and man.

His life now belongs to Christ and he is to abide in Christ's will each day. God will help him do this as he looks always to the Lord for wisdom and strength.

But if he has not genuinely repented of his past way of life or if he does not intend to give his life to his Savior, then he is as the prodigal son who returns to his father's house with his pigs, his husks, and his riotous living.

The Lord Jesus did not tell us a story about a prodigal who continued in his excesses but about a prodigal who repented and returned as a faithful servant and son. Jesus never envisions His salvation as being an excuse for a sinful life. He will cast away from His Presence those who continue to live in sin and rebellion.

To be continued.