2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Growing in grace is a theme we should contemplate as we prepare to enter a new year. Believers in Jesus should not desire to stay static in the life of faith, but should wish to grow closer to our Lord. Is this possible?
The Rev. John Newton
Yes. John Newton (1725-1807), the author of the well known hymn “Amazing Grace” wrote about this. In a letter to a friend, he outlined the way that we can become stronger Christians.
“By reading the word of God, by frequent prayer, by a simple attention to the Lord’s will, together with the use of public ordinances [Baptism and the Lord’s Supper], and…the Lord watering and blessing with the influence of His Holy Spirit, may we grow in grace, and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior; be more humble in our own eyes…more fixed on him as our all in all….” LETTER XXV, “On Faith, and the Communion of Saints,” Forty One Letters on Religious Subjects, 1780.
What he wrote was not profound, but what he wrote needs to be heeded. We do not need to look for a more complex method of Christian growth. What Newton suggests is simple, but what he advised is often overlooked. The means God has appointed for our growth are not complicated. He has given them to us for our own good, and as means of our growing in grace. Read the Word, pray often, attend church, make proper use of the Lord’s appointed Sacraments, depend on the Holy Spirit—all these things will be used of Him to mature our faith.
©the Parson, 2010-2011.
All Saints Anglican Church Huntington, WV 