Craig T. Owens

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The definition of salvation comes from Romans 10:9. When we believe in our heart that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and we confess that with our mouth, we are now justified. I can now stand before God just as if I had never sinned. But the Christian life is more than merely going to heaven at some point. It’s about glorifying God and pointing others to Jesus while we’re on our way to heaven. 

(Check out all of the Scriptures in this post by clicking here.)

We are immediately justified but sanctification (or as I like to call it “saint-ification”) is an ongoing process. 

• The sanctified life is fruitful 
• The sanctified life is joy-filled
• The sanctified life is a testimony to others  

Paul wrote to saints in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1) but he also called them “mere human beings” in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. Paul points out that there is a difference between viewing this life from a worldly viewpoint and a biblical viewpoint (2 Corinthians 5:16). 

A naturalistic world view is constantly shifting as new discoveries are made. A biblical worldview knows there is nothing new under the sun, that everything is addressed in Scripture. 

In order to not view this world through the lens of “mere human beings” we have to read, study, meditate on, and apply the whole counsel of God’s Word. We put it in and the Holy Spirit helps us live it out. Just like our prescription glasses won’t do a thing to correct our vision of they aren’t on our face, Scripture won’t help us navigate this world in a God-glorifying way if we haven’t put it in our heart. 

Each day before I ready my Bible I pray Psalm 119:18, which asks the Holy Spirit to open my eyes to the amazing things in Scripture. I read, I journal, and I pray over the passage that I have read. Then the Holy Spirit makes good application of that Scripture (John 14:26, 16:13; 1 John 4:6). I want to be sure to read the whole counsel of God’s Word, not just cherrypicking my favorite parts. And I always want to be going deeper (Hebrews 6:1). 

One place that we see contrasting world views—the natural worldview versus the biblical worldview—is in 2 Timothy 2:14-19. 

• Natural worldview #1—quarreling about words 
• Biblical worldview #1—correctly handling the Word of truth 
• Natural worldview #2—engaging in godless chatter 
• Biblical worldview #2—standing on the firm foundation of Scripture 

The results of a biblical worldview are amazing: 

1. A sure foundation (Matthew 7:24-27) 
2. The attention of others (Matthew 7:28-29) 
3. Useful treasures to share with others (Matthew 13:52) 
4. A strong defense against critics (Acts 6:9-10; Psalm 119:99) 

Let’s not get stuck in the “mere human being” level of a natural worldview, but let’s commit to studying our Bibles diligently so that the Holy Spirit can develop a robust biblical worldview in us. This worldview is fruitful, joyful, and enhances our testimony. 

Follow along with all the other messages in our series on B.A.S.I.C. Christianity by clicking here. 

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