S5.E8. Q4. Old Man New Man esv2 90p bg 10p

Here, the Conclusion has become the Introduction:  In conclusion, if we therefore abide in Him, and He in us⎯ which is the essence of salvation for now and all eternity⎯ we are a “new man,” one that has never existed before but now is, and we are becoming His “disciples.”   By abiding means we are being taught and refined daily.  The perfection of our maturity as a new man, and the end of our discipleship is never reached on earth.  There is a perfection by grace as we stand before God clothed with Christ, not to be mistaken with the perfection or completion of His transfiguring work in us transforming us and conforming us to His will.  We never so much “are” as we are in the process of “becoming” Christ’s true followers and servants and sons of God.This has been a heavy lesson. It is the meat of the word, not its milk. (1 Cor. 3.2, Heb. 5.12-14)   It is intended to challenge to the highest calling of God in Christ Jesus. Milk is easily swallowed, meat must be chewed and entertained before ingesting, but is much more satisfying and enduring.