Week Thirty - The Spiral Staircase

God's Word holds the idea of rising higher and higher, like climbing a spiral staircase, always returning to the same standpoint but from a higher position on the circling circle. This is especially true when we consider our position in Christ and the growth of understanding that comes to the Christian.

The first step is salvation, the blessedness of knowing we belong to an invisible, heavenly family. Psalm 32:1 reads, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."

Another step leads us to recognize the blessedness of being comforted with the comfort only God can give. Assurance and peace become our companions as we continue to climb."

The steps of understanding our privileged position in Christ, that we are complete in Him, and that we serve the Lord Christ compels us to strive for greater heights. 

The higher we climb, the more we appreciate the blessed work of the Spirit. His guidance, conviction, and instruction help us make steady progress. 

Humbled, we rejoice in the blessed knowledge that we are recipients of mercy, undeserved yet dearly beloved. 

And as we behold the vision of God - His majesty, power, and great love with which He has loved us - we are compelled to hold on more tightly as we breathe heavenly air. 

This cycle continues as we grasp more of the spiritual blessings bestowed upon us and begin to see ourselves as saints and children of God whose sins are forgiven.

Note the rising circle pattern of Ephesians 2:6-10

Step One: Salvation - But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 

Step Two: Learning our Position in Christ - "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" 

Step Three: Learning more of Grace -  "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. "

Step Four: Humble Understanding - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." 

Step Five: Heartfelt Service - "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

As we grow in Christ, we learn more about grace and begin serving with a pure and genuine heart. God repeatedly assures us of His love, and we grow in confidence and humility each time we consider His grace applied to our lives. 

Where are you on this learning curve? Are you growing in Christ? 

If you don't know Him, it's time to get on the ladder! The first step is to believe in Jesus, trust Him, and accept His gift of salvation.

Why not join me on the staircase, and let's learn more about what it means to "sit together in heavenly places in Christ."