It is the will of God that Christians not only be saved and sanctified but also that they fight on to perfect reconciliation to God. Other titles we could have chosen to designate the third area of redemption are as follows: consecration; perfection; throne-life.

The term conquest suggests the warfare necessary for entrance into the promised-land rest of God, for total victory in Christ. There is an obedient, disciplined, faith-filled Christian discipleship that keeps on marching toward the "city that hath foundations."

We have seen that being saved means we have been absolved of guilt and will be carried through to the new heaven and earth reign of Christ.

We have shown that being sanctified means we now are following the Holy Spirit in putting to death the deeds of the flesh and in the diligent application of our gifts and ministries.

The third area of redemption, conquest, results in our being made one in the Son and in the Father and in our being able to express that oneness and Glory throughout the whole creation of God.

Becoming a Conqueror: Conquest Defined

Becoming a conqueror means we are pressing forward each day to the fullness of fruitfulness and rulership. Laying hold on the inheritance to this extent requires that we choose to love not our life to the death. We must be willing to suffer delayed gratification of our most fervent desires.

In some instances the delay may be of many years duration. We must be ready to deny our own desires, our own lives—all of that to which we may have a "right." It is the place of unquestioned obedience as soldiers of Christ, as servants of the Lord.

Not only are we willing to suffer delayed gratification—for years if desired by the Lord, but we also are willing to continue doing things for which we have no heart, in which we take no delight. We do what the Lord tells us to do, and we do it without complaining and without blaming others.

As far as it is possible for us to do so, we rejoice in the Lord and look for blessings in the difficult circumstances. Perfect reconciliation to God, the fullness of victory in Christ, requires that we give our best to the Master without grumbling.

Salvation is for our sake. It brings to us forgiveness of our sins and blessing and joy forever.

Sanctification leads us toward liberty and joy in the purpose and will of God. By the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to put down the impulses of our flesh and mind, the sin which keeps us in turmoil of body, soul, and spirit. The more liberated from the fleshly nature we become the more peace and joy we receive and the better able we are to serve the Lord.

To be continued.