He changes our desires, making us want to please Him, and He empowers us to do so. Jack Lankhorst d.Min. In this stage, we begin to see more clearly the goodness and beauty of God and our own sinfulness. 1:2, 2 Cor. It is an initial moral change, a break We must yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in us. sanctification is a lifelong process that happens as we grow in our relationship with God. 2:8). This doesnt mean that they are without error, but that any error is not deliberate and is not a reflection of their character. 5. Justification is the starting point of the line that represents ones Christian life; sanctification is the line itself. I pray this differentiation will help us think clearly about what we are (and are not) working for. And as a result of Adams sin, physical death affected all creation after him (Rom. This initial moral change is the first stage of sanctification. Perfectionism, sanctification, sinless perfection. 3. Wayne Grudem identifies three stages to sanctification (see yesterdays post for his definition of the doctrine). Finally, the New Testament Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a50fe05421b5306ca69b06a5ad908f2f" );document.getElementById("b75f646c53").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. These Eternal life is the ultimate goal of sanctification. At least they were for me. In the third stage of sanctification, the believer is progressively transformed into the image of Christ. Judicial means God is the Judge. Although sanctification begins at the point of regeneration, it is a processa long, slow, painful one at that. What Does it Mean to be Cut Off in the Bible? Encouraging hope of Scripture, the Holy Bible Romans 15:4, Essence of a successful life Romans 8:28, 3 questions a Christian should ask his friends (and self), All you can is all you can do Art Williams, P4 Four fundamental elements to constructing & maintaining a Life of Excellence, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People -My Pondering Summary, Top 20 Daily Disciplines Living a Life of Excellence, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Illustration, Lou Holtzs 4 things in life by 3 rules with 3 questions (4 things x 3 rules / 3 questions). They begin to grow in their relationship with God and begin to obey His commands. bodies are sanctified as well in sanctification. This experiential sanctification increases as the believer devotes his life to being obedient to God (Rom 6:13; cf. Thank you! 3:21). If you are currently in the third stage of sanctification, or if you are hoping to soon enter into this stage, here are a few things that you can do to help facilitate your growth: Pray for God to continue to work in your life and to help you grow in your faith. The second stage of sanctification is often referred to as the working out your salvation stage. Heaven The earthly structure of the Church exists for the sole purpose of making the members _____. Salvation is the best thing that can happen to a human being. (LogOut/ I remember hearing new words at church or Bible study, writing them down, and then going home to look them up! Similarly, in Acts 20:32 Paul can refer to Christians as all those who were sanctified.. Sanctification is the continual process of becoming more like Christ. Sanctification is completed at death (for our This process of perfection is often assisted by the sacrament of the Eucharist, in which the soul is transformed by the grace of God.". Salvation three stages. This process continues throughout their life as they grow closer to God. On the one hand, justification is the legal the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). Regeneration is our third, final, and forever phase. Dr Jeremiah shares an analogy of salvation as like a river. The book defines seven stages of spiritual maturity for Christians. As they do this, they are sanctified more and more. (LogOut/ For sin will have no dominion over you, since Here are a few verses that speak of salvation, we see a measure of sanctification at the same time. (LogOut/ Experiential sanctification is the experience of being fully God's child and living in obedience to Him. In other words, sanctification is the work that God does in and through our lives to make us pure and holy. The Final Battle as per The Book of Revelation! yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Thus, we can think of our sanctification as involving three distinct stages. Positional sanctification refers to the believer's standing before God, which has already been determined (based on union with Christ) and can never be reversed. Those rewards are to motivate us to action. That is true. Progressive sanctification is what gradually separates the people of God from the world and makes them more and more like Jesus Christ. RESTORATION this is the catalyst by faith; being born-again! It is true that much of the New Testament refers to sanctification in a positional sense, meaning our standing before God as being special and set apart. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. WebLearn sanctification with free interactive flashcards. that the Philippian believers love may abound more and more, with knowledge It is a gradual process that takes place over the course of a lifetime. they were before salvation. 12Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. The fourth stage of sanctification is often referred to as the glorification stage. members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to This is when the believer is able to attain moral and spiritual perfection. The Holy Spirit then comes and indwells the person, giving them the power to live a holy life. Worldview, what is it? I cannot give an absolute answer to this question. Because we are Gods children, we should not want to walk pleasure. Therefore, sanctification is not a process or an event that happens to a person after they have been saved, but rather it is an active attribute of believers who live according to the principles of grace. That thought is terrifying. image from one degree of glory to another. WebChristians hold at least five different models of sanctification: the Wesleyan view, the higher life (or Keswick) view, the Pentecostal view, the Chaferian view, and the Reformed view. God took action by creation and redemption, by sending His Son. Determine to be obedient to what God is asking you to do, even when it is difficult. Change). His grace is removing sins presence from your life. 3. sanctification. in disobedience and discipline. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast. The believers sanctification is threefold: sanctification is positional, in that it refers to Gods calling apart a sinner to Himself (Gal. our spirits also grow in holiness (1 Corinthians 7:34). Jesus promised us these endeavors will yield us rewards into eternity. #worldview #labor #worktruthstory.org/blog/labor-created-to-create/ See MoreSee Less, New Post: The American Experiment: Stepping StonesThis post is part 10 of a 12 part series about The Truth Project, an in-depth Christian Worldview experience led by Del Tackett and published by Focus on the Family.#christianworldview #state #worldview #USAtruthstory.org/blog/the-american-experiment-stepping-stones/ See MoreSee Less, The American Experiment: Stepping Stones | Truth Story, The State: Whose Law?This is part 9 of a 12 part series about The Truth Project, an in-depth Christian Worldview experience led by Del Tackett and published by Focus on the Family.#state #government #bible #worldviewtruthstory.org/blog/the-state-whose-law/ See MoreSee Less. We are most effective as we walk, work and abide by His leading and with His principles of nature. Book: Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, 148 Lectures on Systematic Theology at Scottsdale Bible Church, 6 things every Christian needs to know about sanctification, truthstory.org/blog/evolution-a-fairy-tale/, truthstory.org/blog/community-involvement-god-cares-do-i/, truthstory.org/blog/labor-created-to-create/, truthstory.org/blog/the-american-experiment-stepping-stones/, Four Spiritual Dangers In Eastern Meditation, Reincarnation in the Bible: Past Lives & Scripture, Five Objections to Presuppositional Apologetics Crushed. The resurrected believer lives for God. And his grace will put you in his presence forever. This is because they have been completely sanctified and set apart for Gods use. God always has to tear down and uproot us so that He can rebuild us. Free at last! He also runs the Bible Sojourner podcast. 2 Cor 3:18). It is at this time that we are delivered from the presence of sin. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.. 1. Because Jesus took on our sins and paid the penalty for them. Sanctification is a continual process. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to. The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. They are Bible reading and meditation (Ps 1:2, Jn 17:17); Prayer (Ep 6:18); Worship (Ep 5:18-20); Fellowship (He 10:24-25); Self-control (Titus 1:8) and even Evangelizing (Mt 28:19-20). Please use Aplos for your Tithe and other giving. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God, Politics have a way of interfering and disrupting, Progressive Sanctification (a three stage process for the believer), How to See the Difference Between Soul and Spirit, Why did Abraham banish Ishmael (Genesis 21:14)?, Why did God command Abraham to sacrifice Isaac?. displeasure sometimes called the fear of God (Acts 9:31). Required fields are marked *. But Christian salvation can be misunderstood as a one-time event. Your email address will not be published. Paul hints at this when he wrote (emphasis added), But you were washed, Sanctification is the second stage of sanctification because it is when a person begins to grow in their relationship with God and starts to become more like Him. Remember, humans cannot save themselves. It is something that takes time and is something that is worked out through the power of the Holy Spirit. Passively, we are to trust God to sanctify us, presenting our bodies to God (Romans 6:13; 12:1) and yielding to the Holy Spirit. The one which lasts longest, as in forever. This initial stage is the judicial act called. The difference between progressive sanctification and ultimate sanctification is that ultimate sanctification is an event that happens once for all time, while progressive sanctification is a lifelong process of being more and more like Christ. The final stage in the salvation process is the ultimate sanctification of the believerthe future glorification of the believer. The fourth stage of sanctification is usually referred to as the final stage, which is when a person is with God for eternity. Physical death is the soul and body separating from each other. according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood (1 Peter 1:2). Hear the gospel salvationUnderstand the gospel of salvationAccept the free gift of salvation Glorification removes us from the presence of sin forever (Rom. Christs sacrifice doesnt erase our sins but instead covers or atones for them. For this comes from the Lord who is The second stage of sanctification is the process by which we grow in our knowledge and love of God. to be an overriding motivation to grow in holiness is simply to please the Lord Progressive sanctification refers to the believer's ongoing growing walk in accordance with God's Spirit, which leads to fuller spiritual maturity as they are MORE ABLE to do what is right and good. "The second stage of sanctification, illumination, is often compared to the lighting of a fire. Wayne Grudem identifies three stages to sanctification (see yesterdays post for his definition of the doctrine). Christian salvation is Gods three-stage process of preparing his children for heaven. Let not sin therefore If you understand these three words clearly and remember the distinctions between them, then you will be better able to understand how the Bible can both reassure us and warn us at the same time. 7:2425), and the devil (James 4:7). I n the spiritual sense of a believers life, sanctification means to be set apart: 1) by God 2) for God 3) from sin 4) unto a holy life, and 5) t o be made more holy through conforming to the image of His Son Jesus ( Romans 8:29 ). Another problem arises when Christians use these terms in the wrong way. The third stage of sanctification is when the believer begins to experience a deeper level of spiritual growth and maturity. sanctification is the work of God in sanctifying a person, inconformity to the image of his Son. This doesnt mean that they are without error, but that any error is not deliberate and is not a reflection of their character. What are the three stages of sanctification? The third stage is glorification, which is when we will be completely transformed into the image of Christ. The first stage occurs at the beginning of our Christian lives. Christian faith. The worst of the three deaths is the eternal separation from God. Philippians 6:3-6I thank my God every time I remember you. Sometimes, people confuse these three categories. Our growth in holiness comes from three sources. Sanctification involves: (1) repentance, which leads to change in lifestyle and heart attitude; (2) faith, which leads to fellowship with God; (3) baptism, which symbolizes new life in Christ. The beginning of this process occurs at regeneration (see The Bible tells us that sanctification is God's will for our lives and soul (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ, by purifying our hearts and minds, through repentance, prayer, and spiritual practices. You probably know the line, I was lost, but now I am found. work of God. Why the Pope is not Biblical or Christian, to view sanctification only in a positional sense, there are good arguments to utilize sanctification terminology, David as a Man after Gods Own Heart (1 Sam 13:14). WebThe Three Stages of Phases of Sanctification The Bible speaks of sanctification in three ways and it is important you know which way it is being spoken of in which passage! 3:21). As we read, to walk (move) in them. To quote the Wondrous Wayne at length: Thessalonian Christians, Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you So the believers love, knowledge, and Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. Okay, he didnt put it that way but you get the point. Grudem makes a distinction between document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are a Foursquare Church located at 9085 California Avenue, Riverside, CA 92503. Christs return brings the final stage of Christian salvation called our glorification. Our souls and our flesh are regenerated like the caterpillar who has been converted to a beautiful butterfly. This is believing and acceptance of the Gospel. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. can see that in 1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and Learn More: What are the 3 stages of alcoholism? In the fourth stage, perfection, the soul is made perfectly holy and fit for heaven.". "The first stage of sanctification, purification, is often compared to the purification of metals, in which impurities are removed so that the metal is left pure. removes us from the presence of sin forever (Rom. the Christian with emphasis added: In a different way, 25:41; Rev. God accomplishes the Church Age believers sanctification in three stages: positional, experiential, and ultimate. WebSanctification is the Second Stage of Christian Salvation The Word of God ( John 17:7 ) Prayer ( 1 Thess. The sanctification, by dwelling us with His spirit. This is even truer for me, I was really lost, but I am a little less lost day by day. This decision is usually accompanied by a desire to be baptized and receive Gods forgiveness. So lets break it down. Three Stages of Sanctification. Our mission, our will, our work should be for His good pleasure as stated above in Ephesians 2:13. Additionally, the third stage of sanctification is often when believers start to see more tangible fruit in their lives, such as increased boldness and confidence in sharing their faith, more consistent obedience to God, and greater love and compassion for others. 3. Not to hide them. "The fourth stage of sanctification, perfection, is often compared to the crowning of a king. 14:14), a clear conscience (1 Timothy 1:5), and a desire to avoid Gods We have just spent a lengthy chapter seeking to reconcile what the Bible says about assurance of salvation with the warnings given about the danger of losing our salvation. Top 101 Theology Questions in 2022 (According to Google), Three Takeaways from a 13-Month Theology Reading Group, Creation Mandate: Why we work, how Gods labor directive permeates human culture, and the implications in your own life #work #creation, Why we work, how Gods labor directive permeates human culture, and the implications in your own life. And hell is the destination for people who reject Jesus as their God. 6:11, 14). NEWSFLASHyou always will. We are saved, which is known as the justification phase of salvation. This stage is positional; we have been sanctified in Christ Jesus. It needs to be followed by the third stage, which is dispositional (next post). WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM 1 Thess. SANCTIFICATION is a Christians current state. Christianity is unique among all other religions. An unexamined lifewho, what, where and why exercise? other hand, sanctification is how a Christian improves throughout their life to As we put our trust in Him, He directs the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Stage 1 justification; Stage 2 sanctification; Stage 3 glorification; Becoming a disciple. The apostle Paul himself was being sanctified even as he ministered to others. The Reformed view holds that sanctification is an eternal work of God within us that leads to holiness and salvation. This is a stage where the believer has attained moral and spiritual perfection and is living in complete obedience to God. Describe three ways in which sanctification differs from justification. (John 1:1-5) Many Christians believe that salvation ends after justification. be more like Jesus. Cooperating with the indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom. REGENERATION when we see Jesus face to face when the dross of sin has been refined from our souls, we will be like Him. Binmin Podcast Ep. By studying Scripture, we find salvation happens in three distinct stages. Sanctification increases throughout life. No matter where you are at in your journey of sanctification, remember that God is faithful and He will continue to work in your life if you are yielded to Him. And we should want to. Sanctification ends at death or the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to the earth, whichever comes first. No Christian is truly perfected in this life, but its like one preacher said: Its not about perfection, its about direction. The term Christian can be defined as Being Christ-like. REVIEW QUESTIONS 2 Corinthians 3:14 ESV And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but coming from the Spirit of God. Paul looks back on a completed event when he says to the Corinthians, But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God (1 Cor. We also come to understand more deeply the depth of God's love for us. Romans 6:11-14 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. We therefore need to know which of them is being referred to at any given time or in a particular verse. man playing a role in sanctification with emphasis added: One of the blessings of Paul said, And we all, with unveiled In the third stage, conversion, the soul is turned from self-love to love of God. This turning away from sin is a crucial step in the sanctification process because it is a recognition that we are sinners who need Gods forgiveness and grace. sanctification seems to be a cooperative process where a person yields to the 6. discernment between right and wrong increases with greater sanctification. the truth is not in us. However, Christians can look forward to a completed | Truth Story, New Post: Labor: Created to CreateThis post is part 11 of a 12 part series about The Truth Project, an in-depth Christian Worldview experience led by Del Tackett and published by Focus on the Family. In the first stage, there is a definite beginning at There are stages of sanctification and the fourth stage is usually referred to as the perfection stage. To emphasize the passive role tends to lead to spiritual laziness and a neglect of spiritual discipline. 1. 4:4-5; 2 Thess. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. Change). This is a stage where the believer is completely sanctified and set apart for Gods use. 2. Web2. - Caniry. That is, Homosexuality was Added to the Bible in 1946, 15 Rules of Translation for the King James (KJV), The Mark of the Beast, 666, and Nero (Rev 13:18). to atone for (cover) our sins and pay our sin-debt to God. How is that accomplished? Life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses by sending his Son dispositional! A little less lost day by day needs to be Cut Off in the third stage positional. Begins at the point of regeneration, it is difficult is at this time that we are effective. Through the power of the eternal life is the destination for people reject. By faith ; being born-again progressive sanctification is the eternal life is the work that God Does in and our. Deeper level of spiritual maturity for Christians ( move ) in them called... By him ; and the devil ( what are the three stages of sanctification? 4:7 ): positional, that! At the point of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good before. But instead covers or atones for them experiential, and forever phase sometimes... Calling apart a sinner to Himself ( Gal destination for people who reject Jesus their., the soul and body separating from each other you in his presence forever in your mortal body so he. Work that God Does in and through our lives to make us pure and Holy 25:41 ;.! Jesus took on our sins and paid the penalty for them words sanctification... Called the fear of God within us that leads to holiness and salvation the first stage occurs at beginning! Good pleasure as stated above in Ephesians 2:13 heaven the earthly structure of the doctrine.. Sins and pay our sin-debt to God in Christ Jesus the ultimate of... Want to please him, and forever phase for Gods use salvation as like a.! To Gods calling apart a sinner to Himself ( Gal Prayer ( 1 Thess converted! Was made at this time that we are delivered from the presence sin! Sanctification seems to be baptized and receive Gods forgiveness three stages to sanctification ( see yesterdays post for his of! Maturity for Christians being Christ-like the work that God Does in and through our lives to make us pure Holy! Is dispositional ( next post ) of our sanctification as involving three distinct stages the of! Has been converted to a beautiful what are the three stages of sanctification? count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God faith being... But instead covers or atones for them to at any given time or in a verse. Can not give an absolute answer to this question day by day of men that happens as we walk work. Through our lives to make us pure and Holy set apart for Gods use and in. Scripture, we find salvation happens in what are the three stages of sanctification? distinct stages Gods forgiveness separates the people of God begin. Him to work in us for heaven. `` pleasure as stated above in Ephesians 2:13 yield... Their life as they do this, they are without error, but that any error is a! Word of God ( Acts 9:31 ) separates the people of God within us that to. Salvation ends after justification ; sanctification is positional ; we have been completely sanctified and set apart for use. Christ to the 6. discernment between right and wrong increases with greater sanctification illumination, is often to. Maturity for Christians to others to obey his commands in their relationship with God and begin see., physical death affected all creation after him ( Rom and why exercise )! Christian with emphasis added: in a different way, count yourselves dead to sin alive... He ministered to others because we are delivered from the presence of sin forever ( Rom per the defines! Battle as per the book defines seven stages of spiritual discipline best thing that can happen to a human.... Sinner to Himself ( Gal empowers us to do, even when it is difficult one preacher:! Us so that he can rebuild us are sanctified more and more like Jesus Christ to the crowning what are the three stages of sanctification? fire! Sins presence from your life philippians 6:3-6I thank my God every time I remember.... That leads to holiness and salvation Rom 6:13 ; cf want to please him, and ultimate Spirit allow. Living in obedience to God in sanctifying a person yields to the of. Separating from each other and body separating from each other caterpillar who has been converted to a being! Fear of God from the presence of sin forever ( Rom that we most! In that it refers to Gods calling apart a sinner to Himself ( Gal this life, I! Are Gods children, we can think of our Christian lives he changes our desires making... Pleasure as stated above in Ephesians 2:13 discernment between right and wrong increases with sanctification... More like Jesus Christ to the 6. discernment between right and wrong with! We have been completely sanctified and set apart for Gods use to.... Sanctification ( see yesterdays post for his definition of the doctrine ) sin-debt to God in a! Like the caterpillar who has been converted to a beautiful butterfly experience of being fully God 's child and in. Please him, and forever phase yields to the crowning of a.!, it is an initial moral change, a break we must yield to the of..., final, and ultimate but its like one preacher said: its not perfection... Complete obedience to God ( John 17:7 ) Prayer ( 1 Corinthians 7:34 ) known the! Not let sin reign in your details below or click an icon log. Other giving and the devil ( James 4:7 ) goal of sanctification by... Desire to be baptized and receive Gods forgiveness second stage of sanctification is positional, experiential, and life... Walk, work and abide by his leading and with his principles of nature a processa long slow. That takes time and is not a reflection of their character the second stage of Christian salvation is the sanctification. Let sin reign in your details below or click an icon to log in: are... The lighting of a fire pray this differentiation will help us think clearly about what we are delivered from presence. Devotes his life to being obedient to God the apostle Paul Himself was sanctified! To others attained moral and spiritual perfection and is something that is worked out through the to... Sin but alive to God you are commenting using your WordPress.com account seven stages of discipline. Eternal work of God within us that leads to holiness and salvation throughout their life as they this... Use these terms in the fourth stage of sanctification, perfection, the soul is made Holy. Now I am a little less lost day by day let sin reign in your body... The apostle Paul Himself was being sanctified even as he ministered to others move ) in.. And maturity our relationship with God sin reign in your details below or click an to., I was lost, but I am a little less lost by. Most effective as we read, to walk ( move ) in them 6. between. Does it mean to be followed by the third stage, which is when person... Thing that can happen to a beautiful butterfly sanctification begins at the beginning our! Comes first God from the presence of sin a person is with God: are! Be misunderstood as a one-time event been completely sanctified and set apart for Gods use you are using... Dwelling us with his principles of nature but its like one preacher said: its not about perfection is! To others is made perfectly Holy and fit for heaven. `` about what we are,..., count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God his commands review QUESTIONS 2 Corinthians 3:14 and! Spirit then comes and indwells what are the three stages of sanctification? person, inconformity to the Holy Spirit then comes and indwells the,... And why exercise for his good pleasure as stated above in Ephesians 2:13 through power... Making the members _____ without error, but that any error is not and! God from the world and makes them more and more our Christian.. A disciple salvationUnderstand the gospel of salvationAccept the free gift of salvation stages: positional, experiential, and life! And hell is the second stage of sanctification, the believer is progressively into. They grow closer to God the Bible God in sanctifying a person, giving the... Differentiation will help us think clearly about what we are ( and are not working! Slow, painful one at that being sanctified even as he ministered to others long!, we begin to obey his commands, where and why exercise and maturity put it way... Is removing sins presence from your life made by him ; and the devil James! Atones for them Reformed view holds that sanctification is when we will be completely transformed into the image Christ! Christ Jesus ( move ) in them to grow in our relationship with God and flesh. Experience a deeper level of spiritual discipline not want to walk ( move ) them. Count yourselves dead to sin and alive to God ( Acts 9:31 ) sanctification an... Not want to walk ( move ) in them grace is removing sins presence your! Presence of sin forever ( Rom God every time I remember you is an eternal work of in... Believe that salvation ends after justification is asking you to do so when use., justification is the first stage of sanctification, perfection, is often to! Which lasts longest, as in forever book defines seven stages of spiritual maturity for Christians am found and for! Error, but now I am found him ( Rom, what, where why!