During the closing service of the Youth Evangelical Fellowship Summer Retreat, the members delved into Romans 7, which speaks about what kind of life Christians live after they are justified. Focusing on the themes of salvation, sanctification, and spiritual growth in the Christian faith, the members were called to go on this path of sanctification with fervor and zeal, knowing that they are given the power to do so, which only comes from above. They went over the biblical meaning of terms such as
justification, sanctification, and glorification, and emphasized the importance of unity in faith and the role of the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctification.
Delving into Romans 7, P. Danielle White spoke about what it means to be justified and the process of sanctification. Every Christian recognizes that there are important stages in the Christian life. Just as we are physically born, go through school, and get a job, so spiritually we are born again in Christ, grow in holiness through the Holy Spirit, and go to be with God forever. The terms Christians use to describe these important moments are justification, sanctification, and glorification. These three words are used to describe the Christian journey from new birth to afterlife.
Paul begins the chapter by using the analogy of marriage to explain our relationship with the law. Just as a married woman is bound to her husband only as long as he lives, we are bound to the law only while we are alive. But through Christ’s death, we arereleased from the law, much like a widow is free to remarry. He extends this analogy by saying that we have died to the law through Christ, allowing us to belong to Him and bear fruit for God. When we lived in the flesh, our sinful passions, stirred by the law, led us to death. But now, we serve in the new way of the Spirit, not the old written code.
Paul then, in Romans 7:13-20, delves into the struggle we face with sin. The law is good, but sin uses it to provoke our sinful desires. Even though we want to do good, we often end up doing the opposite. This inner conflict shows that while our intentions align with God’s law, our sinful nature still exists within us. He acknowledges this ongoing battle, expressing frustration over the struggle between wanting to follow God’s law and the sin that dwells within. Paul asks who will rescue him from this body of death and concludes with gratitude, recognizing that deliverance comes through Jesus Christ. Through this, the members were encouraged and pierced as they came to understand how their lives should be when taking this path of faith.
Then taking a glimpse at Romans 8:1, he assures us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, emphasizing that our salvation is secure despite our struggles. He highlights that while we are justified and saved, the process of sanctification—overcoming sin and growing in holiness—is ongoing. In essence, Paul explains that through Christ, we are freed from the law (justified), yet we continue to battle sin within us. This journey from justification to sanctification, leading to ultimate glorification, is marked by struggles but also by the assurance of no condemnation for those who are in Christ.
After a graceful message, members took photos together and participated in lunch fellowship. The participants got to know one another through sharing about themselves and their paths of faith. They then shared their reflections over the sermon and for those who were able to join the whole retreat, they shared their overall grace.
