Stages Of Life

Every living thing goes through different stages during the course of its life. A butterfly begins life as a caterpillar. After a period of time this stage of life is over and the caterpillar is encased in a cocoon. During this time many changes take place until at last the adult butterfly emerges with great effort to live as a beautiful reminder of God's marvelous creation. Humans also go through various stages of development from conception to adulthood. The fact that humans change is evident in the physical as well as in the spiritual. Let us consider the stages of our spiritual lives.

Innocence

The first stage of life is the time of innocence. Babies are born pure, free from sin, with a spirit given by God (Eccl. 12:7). During the early years they have no knowledge of good and evil and are dependent upon parents to teach them right and wrong (Deut. 1:39; Eph.6:1-4). Children are marked by an eagerness to learn, and a willingness to forgive. This beautiful period of our existence is a time where sin has no power over us and we are at one with God our Father. And this is a time in our spiritual lives that we should desire to regain. "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven," (Matt. 18:3).

Accountability

The second stage of spiritual life is the time of accountability. While the specific age is not revealed in the Scriptures, the principle certainly is. Consider the words of the apostle Paul. "I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died," (Rom. 7:9). Paul realized that at one point in his life he was alive and at a later point he was dead. It is evident that Paul is speaking in a spiritual sense regarding his relationship with God. Death is the separation from God. Adam and Eve were spiritually dead after they ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen 2:17). Paul was alive when he was under the age of accountability. Everyone who lives beyond the age of innocence will be held responsible for the works done in their life (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:12).

Complacency

Another stage of spiritual life is the stage of complacency. In this stage, people are satisfied with life in this world, and they are satisfied with their relationship with God. These are not seeking to grow, or to serve God in any way, except that which is convenient or conducive to their lifestyle. What does God think of this? "And it shall come to pass at that time That I will search Jerusalem with lamps, And punish the men Who are settled in complacency, Who say in their heart, 'The Lord will not do good, Or will He do evil,'" (Zeph. 1:12). Both Christians and non-Christians can fall into this mind set. And this attitude is completely displeasing to God. Sadly, most people will die in this stage of life never realizing the glorious blessings that Christ has offered. Only when it is too late will they understand.

Realization

Realization is the stage in spiritual life where the need for help is recognized. When a person is going through tough times with health problems, financial or family troubles, or problems on the job the realization that help is needed becomes more clear. Often people seek God when they are hurting and when deliverance comes, they go right back into complacency. Some individuals realize that worldly accomplishments just don't provide true happiness and fulfillment. At this point, they begin to realize the need for something more. Solomon recognized this as he sought happiness through worldly life (read Eccl.). "Also He has put eternity in their hearts..." (Eccl. 3:11). When we understand that life is merely a journey. When we realize that true joy and fulfillment come from a relationship with God. When we see the effect that sin has had on our lives. Then we can see the need for a Savior to bring us back to God. The gospel message exposes this need and works to bring about the realization that we are helpless on our own. The first gospel sermon ever preached had this result. Peter had preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ when he was interrupted with the question "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). They realized their need.

Salvation

This is the final stage of spiritual life. After we move through innocence, accountability, and realization we are ready to enter into salvation. When we realize our need, God is able to give us the gift of salvation. Jesus Christ is the solution to the sin problem. Jesus is the cure for the disease that has claimed countless lives. Jesus is the way by which we can approach the throne of grace and be restored to a right relationship with God our Father. Salvation comes when we humbly submit to God's conditions. He has made them very clear in His word so that it is difficult to miss. To be saved one must hear the word of God (Rom. 10:17). Upon hearing the word one must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24). By believing that Jesus is the Christ one must be willing to repent, or turn away from, sin (Acts 17:30). After one has repented of sin he must be willing to confess Jesus before men (Matt. 10:32). Following this confession one must be willing to be baptized to have his sins washed away (Acts 22:16). Upon baptism one is added to the church (Acts 2:47). If one is to be pleasing to God and to remain in this blessed relationship he will be willing to submit to God's will as it is revealed through the pages of the New Testament (Col. 3:17).

These things are not difficult to understand. Nor does it take a Bible scholar to dig them out. The word of God is simple to understand, but it is difficult for many to accept. People are afraid to go against what the majority of religious groups teach. People are too ashamed to acknowledge that someone in their family was wrong in their beliefs. The majority is never a safe guide (Matt. 7:13,14). And if one is saved, it is only through their own personal faith, not the faith of anyone else. The Bible reveals that most people will be lost. Most will remain in complacency until it is too late. Dear friend, which stage of life are you in?