A fascinating dimension of Christformation is the various phases of growth that believers go through. We know that we go through phases because Scripture warns us against being immature. In 1 Corinthians 3 the Apostle Paul makes a disappointing evaluation of the Corinthian Christians when he says: “I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ” (v. 3 NIV). We do not want to remain in the infancy phase.
Thus, it is important to have an understanding of the phases of growth God wants to take us through. Understanding progressions of our growth helps us to know where we are and where we are going. It also helps us to be okay with where we are and not dislike ourselves for not being more mature. Understanding phases also teaches us what thoughts and feelings are normal for our situation and what teachings and practices are best for our situation. It also helps us to remain pliable in the Potter’s hand in whatever phase we are in and not struggle to circumvent any painful shaping he is doing. Understanding phases also helps us to be more understanding and helpful to others who are in different phases. Often well meaning Christians will give advice that is designed to get someone else to take the same spiritual steps they are taking, not considering that their advice doesn’t apply to them. Understanding phases also helps us to be merciful to the less mature and humble before the more mature and learn how to edify both.
There are two types of models for growth: repeating and non-repeating. In other words, there are some spiritual progressions that cycle over and over. Others do not. This post looks at a repeating model.
Based on Scripture I came up with a “fivefold way” of repeating growth: grace, purification (or purgation), infilling, Christformation and union. This is a way of describing the progression and types of processes that Christians experience as they grow. The fivefold way brings together these five major biblical themes in a logical progression in order to remind us of what God is doing. These five processes are continually cycling and overlapping in our spiritual life.
The fivefold way begins by clearly establishing that God’s grace precedes all growth. We can’t start something before God’s Spirit starts it; he always leaves the starting line before we do. We see this clearly in Romans 8:29: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (NIV).
“Jesus’ cross was painful, dark and lonely and that is part of our purification.”
Purification (historically known as purgation) is the next process. The Spirit of God is the Holy Spirit. After we become aware of God’s grace, especially our identity and destiny, and we open up to his work then his Spirit will usually highlight sins or other weaknesses that are getting in the way of our next step of growth. This will include suffering as Jesus explained when he said “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23 NIV). Jesus’ cross was painful, dark and lonely and that is part of our purification. This process is a partnership with God: “by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body” (Rom. 8:13 ESV). Notice that we need to take action in order to kill the destructive part of us. There are dozens of passages in the New Testament about choosing to purify ourselves; here are some key passages: Matthew 5:27-30; Romans 13:12-14; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; Colossians 3:5-10; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:14-17; 1 John 3:3.
This way of the Cross is the process that is most diminished in ministry. It is human nature to resist what is unpleasant and ministers are always tempted to minimize the Cross in order to be more popular. Also, listeners often don’t notice that something important has been omitted. And the more wealth that is available to the common people in a society, the more that Christians will veer towards emphasizing resurrection and prosperity and worldly victory. We see this abounding in Christians in the wealthy nations of the world today. Sadly, the unbalanced prosperity emphasis has even penetrated Christianity in many lesser developed nations.
Next week we will look at the remaining three processes. For now, remember to keep your heart open and honest to any conviction from God related to your purification. Remember that the pain is worth it because it will open you up to more participation in God’s goodness.
