Top 10 of Being Reformed :: Part 5
Being a reformed baptist…
10. Makes me a more careful reader of my Bible.
9. Makes me more consistent and fervent in my prayers.
8. Makes me a more confident preacher.
6. Makes me more loving and gracious in my relationships.
I understand that believers are going through a process of sanctification, and non-believers and blinded to the realities of Christ. Therefore, I am more loving and gracious in all my relationships because I understand that God is doing a sovereign work in each person, on different levels. This comes by understanding that a person does not rise to godliness through intellectual ascent or human exertion, rather godliness is only obtained through the work of God. Additionally, when understanding God’s electing work in salvation, I better understand my relationship with my wife and the depth of the biblical command that I am to love her as Christ loved the Church (Ephesians 5:25). I see my marriage as a representation of the unifying relationship between the bride (the Church) and the bridegroom (Jesus). Therefore, as I am drawn deeper into a relationship with Jesus, I am also drawn deeper into love for my wife, family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ. Love, then, is not seen as a duty, but is given to me as a gift from God as my delight.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34).
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10).
