With God, the inside of a vase matters much more than its physical appearance.
Belonging to a religious tendency does not determine the Christian, but it is the inner coating that makes it (Roman 13:14). So what is this spiritual coating? It begins with a real conversion, that is, accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior. This leads to a radical change of life, by nature (John 1:12-13, 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 2:5 ) and total obedience to the word of God (Matthew 7:21-25).
Then the Christian must learn to walk and live like Christ. It is this continual obedience that gives him the coating or spiritual clothing that is christ’s character. This character takes shape in him as he strips himself of the works of the old nature (Ephesians 4: 17-32; galatians 5:22). It is a question of telling the truth in all circumstances, of walking according to God’s righteousness, of having total confidence in the word of God, of having zeal for God’s work… (Ephesians 6: 13-17 ).
Finally, the Christian must always remain in obedience and seek to attain the perfect stature of Christ. (Philippians 3:12, proverbs 4:18, Psalms 92: 13-15). The Lord Jesus Christ seeks « a glorious church, without blemishes, wrinkles, or anything similar, but holy and incomprehensible (Ephesians 5:27). That is why anyone who wants to be abducted by the Lord Jesus Christ must have this coating.
Note: The hardening even in a single sin leads to the loss of this spiritual clothing and our quality as a child of God.
