Series 1 - Lesson 4 - Annotation 7
What are the two phases of growth which the members of the "church of Christ" experience?
7. There is first the growth which entitles the individual to membership in the church of Christ. This is followed by his developing an understanding of the universal church of Christ and finding the place he is to fill in it.
First, the individual becomes conscious of his birthright as a spiritual being. A desire for further revelations of Truth is aroused. He begins to take the necessary steps to promote his own regeneration. He feels the necessity of cleansing his mind and heart of the beliefs and habits that heretofore controlled his life. He seeks Spirit within his own being for illumination and guidance, willingly and courageously acting on further revelations received. His obedience to the divine plan as it is revealed to him brings increased enlightenment. His conception of God, of himself, of humanity, and of the entire universe undergoes a change. He sees the universality of the one life; he sees the place he should fill in the divine plan for the good of all life.
Secondly, his understanding of life deepens and broadens. His love for mankind grows. He begins to note the effect that his feelings, thoughts, words, actions, and reactions have on those about him. He desires to be of service to his brothers by showing the practicability of the redeeming power of the forgiving love of Jesus Christ. He wants others to know how the grace of God frees each and every one and restores to him the power and dominion over his world with which he was vested at his creation.
In this way each individual member of the Christ body must pass from the belief in bondage to acceptance of freedom; from human limitation to divine understanding; from the belief in death to acceptance of eternal life here and now." "We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren."-- I John 3:14.
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Preceding Entry: Explain the meaning of the word "restoration" as used in this lesson.
Following Entry: What place has thought in the restoration to divine perfection?
