FORMATION AND TRANSFORMATION

What is Christian formation?

Christian formation is the lifelong work of the Holy Spirit, shaping us together into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Rooted in our belonging to Him, it bears fruit in holy love, renewed minds and faithful witness.

Many Christians find the word formation less familiar than discipleship, spiritual growth or holiness. Scripture places this calling at the heart of the Christian life: the Father gives us a glorious purpose, to be shaped into the likeness of His risen Son. Paul longs for Christ to be formed in believers (Galatians 4:19) and calls us to be transformed through renewed minds (Romans 12:2). Christian formation belongs within theological education and the Church’s preparation of its ministers. The truths we study call for lives shaped by the Christ they reveal. For theological colleges, seminaries, ordination training and denominational leadership programmes, the Formation Series offers devotional reading to accompany that work. Lecturers, formation tutors, students and serving leaders can bring Scripture into personal prayer and shared reflection, seeking the likeness of Christ in the people they are becoming. The knowledge we receive bears fruit in holy love, faithful judgement and the Gospel we carry into the world.

Romans 8:29 names the purpose for which God has predestined His people: to be conformed to the image of His Son. To be conformed is to be shaped into His likeness. Jesus stands at the centre of the family the Father is gathering, and His character gives our growth its direction. This is the Father’s vision for every believer and every church.

Read Romans 8:29 (NKJV)

☩

Romans 8:29 NKJV

²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Our righteousness in Christ gives this formation its secure beginning. Through faith in Jesus, we receive the gift of being set right with God. Romans 5:17 joins this gift to abundant grace and the promise of reigning in life through Christ. We can draw near to the Father with humble confidence and offer ourselves to the life He is forming among us.

Read Romans 5:17 (NKJV)

☩

Romans 5:17 NKJV

Participation means sharing, by the Holy Spirit, in the life of the risen Jesus. The righteousness we receive in Him opens into a life of discipleship, transformation, sanctification and holiness. These words help us understand the grace we inhabit and the people we are becoming together.

Our righteousness in Christ

Set right with God and alive in His Son.

The gift that establishes our life

Our righteousness in Christ is God’s gracious gift of right standing before Him, received through faith in Jesus. Justification names His act of setting us right with Himself through Christ’s saving death and resurrection. We receive peace with God and access to His grace. Christ Himself is our righteousness, and our life rests in union with Him (Romans 3:21–26; 5:1–2; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus has offered Himself for us, risen from the dead and opened the way into the Father’s presence. His sacrifice is complete, and He lives to intercede for His people. We can approach God with assurance, trusting the Son whose blood cleanses our conscience. This gift establishes the belonging within which Christian growth takes place (Hebrews 10:10–22; Romans 8:33–34).

Read Romans 3:21–26; Romans 5:1–2; 1 Corinthians 1:30–31; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Hebrews 10:10–22 (NKJV)

☩

Romans 3:21–26 NKJV

²¹ But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
²² even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
²⁴ being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
²⁵ whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
²⁶ to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 5:1–2 NKJV

¹ Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 1:30–31 NKJV

³⁰ But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—
³¹ that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 5:17–21 NKJV

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
¹⁸ Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
¹⁹ that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
²⁰ Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.
²¹ For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Hebrews 10:10–22 NKJV

¹⁰ By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
¹¹ And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
¹² But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
¹³ from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.
¹⁴ For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
¹⁵ But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before,
¹⁶ “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,”
¹⁷ then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”
¹⁸ Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.
¹⁹ Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
²⁰ by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
²¹ and having a High Priest over the house of God,
²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Grace that enables us to reign in life

Romans 5:17 announces the abundance we receive: grace, the gift of righteousness and life under the victorious lordship of Jesus. Reigning in life means sharing His victory over sin and death as people who belong to Him. Romans 6 gives this a concrete shape. United to Christ in His death and resurrection, we count ourselves alive to God and offer our bodies for His righteous purposes. Grace gives us strength to resist sin and live in freedom (Romans 6:3–14). We await the fullness of this life in resurrection and shared glory with Christ (Romans 8:17–23).

This gives our prayer and service a humble boldness. We receive our dignity from the Father and depend upon His strength. His welcome gives us courage to pray with expectation, resist evil and speak of Christ. As His royal priesthood, we serve under Jesus, our Great High Priest, carrying His mercy into the lives of others (Hebrews 4:14–16; 1 Peter 2:9–10).

Read Romans 5:17–21; Romans 6:3–14; Romans 8:17–23; Hebrews 4:14–16; 1 Peter 2:9–10 (NKJV)

☩

Romans 5:17–21 NKJV

¹⁷ For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
¹⁸ Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
¹⁹ For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
²⁰ Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
²¹ so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:3–14 NKJV

³ Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
⁴ Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
⁵ For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
⁶ knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
⁷ For he who has died has been freed from sin.
⁸ Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
⁹ knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.
¹⁰ For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.
¹¹ Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
¹² Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
¹³ And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
¹⁴ For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Romans 8:17–23 NKJV

¹⁷ and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;
²¹ because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
²² For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
²³ Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

Hebrews 4:14–16 NKJV

¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

1 Peter 2:9–10 NKJV

⁹ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
¹⁰ who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

A conscience cleansed and a household made alive

In Christ, we are free from condemnation and welcomed before the Father. The Gospel answers the accusations that call us inferior, unwanted or permanently disqualified. God’s verdict in Christ gives us firm ground when memories of failure trouble us. A cleansed conscience frees us to draw near, receive correction and grow. When we sin, we confess it honestly, receive His forgiveness and cleansing, and return to faithful obedience. Christ remains our Advocate with the Father (Romans 8:1–4, 33–34; 1 John 1:9; 2:1–2).

Humility receives what God has freely given and honours Him for it. We can acknowledge weakness and welcome the Spirit’s help. We can accept the Father’s love, exercise the gifts He gives and answer His calling with courage. As our minds are renewed, the truth of our belonging in Christ reshapes how we understand ourselves and approach Him.

The risen Jesus pours out the Holy Spirit promised by the Father. The Spirit leads us in the life of the Father’s children, strengthens us to put sin to death and bears witness that we belong to Him. Jesus also assures His people of the Father’s pleasure in giving them the Kingdom. Our confidence grows within this generous life of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Acts 2:32–39; Romans 8:13–17, 26; Luke 12:32).

Righteousness establishes our standing in Christ; formation describes our whole life taking shape in Him. As disciples, we learn to live the grace we have received. The Spirit brings real transformation and makes our consecration fruitful in holiness. Christ’s life becomes visible in a people who love faithfully and proclaim His goodness.

Read Romans 8:1–4; Romans 8:13–17; Romans 8:26; Romans 8:33–34; 1 John 1:9; 1 John 2:1–2; Acts 2:32–39; Luke 12:32 (NKJV)

☩

Romans 8:1–4 NKJV

¹ There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
³ For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
⁴ that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:13–17 NKJV

¹³ For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
¹⁶ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
¹⁷ and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Romans 8:26 NKJV

²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Romans 8:33–34 NKJV

³³ Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

1 John 1:9 NKJV

⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 2:1–2 NKJV

¹ My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
² And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

Acts 2:32–39 NKJV

³² This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.
³³ Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
³⁴ “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand,
³⁵ Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’
³⁶ “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
³⁷ Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
³⁸ Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
³⁹ For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

Luke 12:32 NKJV

³² “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Formation

Our whole life being shaped into the likeness of Christ.

Christian formation is the shaping of the whole person and the whole Church into Christ’s likeness through sharing in His life. The Father is forming a family whose life bears the character of His Son. By the Holy Spirit, Christ’s love takes root in us and reshapes what we desire, trust and become.

We grow within the righteousness and life received in Christ. The Father’s welcome gives us confidence to bring our whole selves before Him as the Spirit forms His Son’s likeness in us.

Formation gives Christian growth its purpose and coherence. Scripture, worship and obedience belong together because the same Lord meets us through them. His grace reaches beneath our actions into the loves that guide them. As Christ becomes our treasure, allegiance deepens and His goodness finds expression through us.

Formation holds together the whole life taking shape in Christ. Discipleship describes following Him within that life; transformation names the change He brings. Sanctification and holiness reveal its consecration and character. This is why formation matters for a person or a congregation: it keeps the likeness of Jesus before us as the purpose of all our growth.

Read Galatians 4:19; Romans 12:1–2 (NKJV)

☩

Galatians 4:19 NKJV

¹⁹ My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,

Romans 12:1–2 NKJV

¹ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Discipleship

Following Jesus as Lord and learning to live His way.

Discipleship is the lifelong relationship of following Jesus as our Lord and Teacher, learning to obey Him and share His mission. He calls us to Himself, teaches us through His Word and gives His Spirit to help us follow. We learn in the company of His people, receiving their wisdom and helping one another remain faithful.

Our following begins in the grace Christ has given us. Secure in His welcome, we learn to trust His word and obey with the courage of the Father’s children.

At its heart is our allegiance to Jesus and the life we learn from Him. His teaching directs our decisions; His love gives us courage when obedience costs us something. Discipleship includes baptism, shared worship, growing understanding and the call to make disciples among the nations (Matthew 28:18–20). It embraces the whole of life.

Formation draws attention to who we are becoming as we follow. Transformation describes the real change this involves, and sanctification draws our following into wholehearted belonging to God. Discipleship gives these realities a daily expression: we listen to Jesus, entrust ourselves to Him and act upon His word.

Read Matthew 28:18–20; John 15:4–5 (NKJV)

☩

Matthew 28:18–20 NKJV

¹⁸ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

John 15:4–5 NKJV

⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Transformation

The Holy Spirit changing us into Christ’s likeness.

Transformation is the real change the Holy Spirit brings as He renews us in the image of Jesus Christ. It reaches our understanding and desires, then becomes visible in how we love and live. Our settled patterns can change because the risen Lord is present and active among His people.

In 2 Corinthians 3:18, this change flows from beholding the Lord’s glory. As we attend to Jesus in Scripture and worship, the Spirit opens our understanding to His worth. Love for Him grows. Lesser loves lose their hold, and we find strength to answer His call. This gives us hope when we meet resistance within ourselves.

The Spirit renews our understanding of who we are in Christ. As His truth takes root, we learn to approach God with assurance and bring patterns of fear or self-condemnation into His light.

Transformation names the change itself within our formation and discipleship. Sanctification identifies that renewal as life increasingly given to God; holiness describes its character. Paul carries this vision into witness: the glory revealed in Christ shines through fragile people, and His power sustains their service (2 Corinthians 4:1–12). Changed lives carry His goodness to others.

Read 2 Corinthians 3:18–4:12 (NKJV)

☩

2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV

¹⁸ But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:1–12 NKJV

¹ Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.
² But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
³ But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
⁴ whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
⁵ For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.
⁶ For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
⁸ We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—
¹⁰ always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
¹¹ For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
¹² So then death is working in us, but life in you.

Sanctification

God consecrating us to Himself and making us holy.

Sanctification is God setting us apart for Himself in Christ and making our whole lives holy through the Spirit. It includes a gift already received and a work continuing within us. Scripture speaks of believers as sanctified in Christ, and prays for God to sanctify them completely (1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24).

Christ is both our righteousness and our sanctification. The One who gives us peace with God also consecrates us to His service, drawing every part of life into faithful obedience (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Sanctification brings consecration into focus: we belong to God, and every part of life comes within His loving claim. Our bodies and relationships, our work and the desires we keep hidden can be offered to Him. We seek His cleansing, turn from sin and receive strength to live faithfully. His claim upon us gives purpose to our freedom.

Sanctification shows the holy purpose of formation and transformation. As disciples, we learn to live the belonging Christ has given us. Within His Church, we exercise our royal priesthood under Jesus, our Great High Priest: offering our lives to God, interceding for others and proclaiming His goodness. His faithful love sustains this work.

Read 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24; 1 Peter 2:9–10; 1 Corinthians 1:30–31 (NKJV)

☩

1 Corinthians 6:11 NKJV

¹¹ And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 NKJV

²³ Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

1 Peter 2:9–10 NKJV

⁹ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ¹⁰ who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

1 Corinthians 1:30–31 NKJV

Holiness

Belonging to the Holy One and reflecting His character.

Holiness begins with God, whose majesty, purity and love call forth awe. Through Christ, He receives us as His own and calls us to share a life worthy of that belonging. Human holiness is our consecrated life reflecting His character through the Holy Spirit.

The righteousness received in Christ bears fruit in righteous living. By the Spirit, our belonging to God becomes visible in integrity, justice and faithful love (Romans 6:19–22).

Holiness reveals the character of the life God gives: love made faithful, purity cherished and goodness embodied. Holiness touches the truthfulness of our speech, the integrity of our relationships and our treatment of those whose needs are easily overlooked. Reverence for God strengthens our resistance to evil and our readiness to serve.

Sanctification names God’s consecrating and renewing work; holiness names the belonging and character it establishes and deepens. Formation and discipleship nurture this life, and transformation makes its growth visible. Holiness matters because God calls His people to bear His likeness. Others should encounter something of His goodness through the Church that bears His Name.

Paul calls us to walk as children of light. The life we receive in Christ bears fruit in goodness, righteousness and truth. Formation reaches the words we speak, the choices we make and the care we offer. Through these ordinary acts of faithfulness, others can begin to see the goodness of our Father.

Read Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15–16; Romans 6:19–22; Ephesians 5:8–10 (NKJV)

☩

Leviticus 19:2 NKJV

² “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.

1 Peter 1:15–16 NKJV

¹⁵ but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶ because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Romans 6:19–22 NKJV

¹⁹ I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.
²⁰ For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
²¹ What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
²² But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

Ephesians 5:8–10 NKJV

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
⁹ (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
¹⁰ finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

How these words belong together

These realities belong together throughout Christian life. Our righteousness in Christ establishes the standing from which we grow; the other terms illuminate the shared life taking shape within His grace.

Term	Particular emphasis
Our righteousness in Christ	God’s gift of right standing in Christ, received by faith and bearing fruit in righteous living.
Formation	Our whole life together being shaped into Christ’s likeness.
Discipleship	Following Jesus as Lord and learning His way.
Transformation	The real change the Holy Spirit brings.
Sanctification	God consecrating us to Himself and making us holy.
Holiness	Belonging to the Holy One and reflecting His character.

Consider a believer learning to speak truthfully after years of hiding behind lies. Christ’s gift of righteousness gives them confidence to come into the light and receive forgiveness. Following Jesus into truth is discipleship. The reshaping of their whole life belongs to formation, and the actual change is transformation. Offering their speech to God expresses sanctification; the integrity taking root reveals holiness. The Church helps them persevere, and their growing faithfulness blesses those who depend upon them.

The Father is forming His household

This purpose embraces the Church together. In Christ, we are already received as the Father’s sons and daughters. We grow within that belonging, learning the love of the household into which grace has brought us. By the Spirit, God makes His home among us (Romans 8:14–17; Ephesians 2:19–22).

The gift of righteousness gives this household a common standing in Christ. Together we draw near through His blood and serve as a royal priesthood under His authority. The Spirit equips us to intercede, minister healing and announce the Gospel of the Kingdom. Reigning in life finds expression in a Church whose confidence before God strengthens her love for the world (Hebrews 10:19–22; 1 Peter 2:9–10; 1 Corinthians 12:7–11).

The Church’s formation includes the way we worship, exercise authority, care for one another and bear witness. Christ gives gifts and ministries so that His whole body grows towards maturity in Him. Every member has a part in this shared life, and the love received by one becomes a blessing to others (Ephesians 4:11–16).

Scripture also speaks of this same Church as Christ’s Bride. The household reveals our belonging to the Father; the Bride reveals the love with which Christ holds His people and the everlasting communion for which He prepares us. He gave Himself for the Church and continues to cleanse and sanctify her, preparing her to stand before Him in glory (Ephesians 5:25–27).

Read Romans 8:14–17; Ephesians 2:19–22; 4:11–16; 5:25–27; Hebrews 10:19–22; 1 Peter 2:9–10; 1 Corinthians 12:7–11 (NKJV)

☩

Romans 8:14–17 NKJV

¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
¹⁶ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
¹⁷ and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Ephesians 2:19–22 NKJV

¹⁹ Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
²⁰ having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,
²¹ in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
²² in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:11–16 NKJV

¹¹ And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
¹² for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
¹³ till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
¹⁴ that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
¹⁵ but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 5:25–27 NKJV

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
²⁶ that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
²⁷ that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Hebrews 10:19–22 NKJV

¹⁹ Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
²⁰ by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
²¹ and having a High Priest over the house of God,
²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

1 Peter 2:9–10 NKJV

1 Corinthians 12:7–11 NKJV

⁷ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
⁸ for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
¹⁰ to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
¹¹ But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

How SHINE helps us enter this life

SHINE gathers these convictions into a framework for individuals and churches. Its Four Streams keep our growth grounded in Christ and open to the fullness of life He gives.

The same grace sustains all four Streams. In baptism we are joined to Christ’s death and resurrection; through the Spirit’s anointing we receive strength for service; at the gathered Table we share in Christ with thanksgiving. His truth teaches us our standing in Him, His glory draws our love, and His Spirit empowers our witness.

Sacramental

Water · Oil · Table

Baptismal Identity · Eucharistic Participation

Baptism joins us to Christ’s death and resurrection. Anointing with oil accompanies the Church’s prayer for consecration, healing and the Spirit’s help. At the Lord’s Table, the gathered Church shares in Christ with thanksgiving and is sent to serve.

Confessional

Way · Truth · Life

Hold Fast His Truth · Navigate by His Wisdom

Receive the truth of Christ, hold it fast and learn to embody it. His Word forms faithful judgement, forgiveness and reconciliation within the Father’s household and in our relationships with others.

Contemplative

Glory · Joy · Proclamation

See His Glory · Exclaim His Name with Awe and Joy

Attend to the glory of God revealed in Jesus. As His worth reorders our loves, awe and joy find a voice in worship and witness. Love for Him strengthens our resistance to temptation.

Spirit-empowered

Presence · Power

Increase in His Strength

Welcome the Holy Spirit’s presence and receive His strength. He forms Christ’s likeness among us and gives gifts for building up the Church, healing ministry and courageous witness.

He will complete the work He has begun

The God who receives us in Christ is committed to bringing His work to completion. Our righteousness rests in His Son, and His Spirit is forming the likeness of that Son among us. Romans 8:29 gives our growth its direction; Romans 5:17 gives us confidence to live within the grace we have received.

We are unfinished believers held within the Father’s faithful love. We can face what needs to change, receive forgiveness and continue in obedience. The Spirit helps us in weakness and strengthens us for the life to which we are called. Christ intercedes for His people, and our hope reaches towards resurrection and glory (Romans 8:23–34; Philippians 1:6).

The Father is bringing His sons and daughters towards maturity together. Christ is preparing His Church as a glorious Bride for everlasting communion with Him. Her holiness grows through His cleansing love, and her royal priesthood carries His blessing into the world. We draw near with confidence, serve with humility and proclaim the risen Lord with joy (Ephesians 5:25–27; 1 Peter 2:9–10).

Read Philippians 1:6; 2:12–13; Revelation 19:7–8; Romans 8:23–34 (NKJV)

☩

Philippians 1:6 NKJV

⁶ being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Philippians 2:12–13 NKJV

¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
¹³ for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Revelation 19:7–8 NKJV

⁷ Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”
⁸ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

Romans 8:23–34 NKJV

²³ Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
²⁷ Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
³³ Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

Begin with today’s reading in Seven Days of Formation. Thank the Father for the righteousness and life He has given you in Christ. Bring one part of your life before Him, receive the Spirit’s help and take one faithful step in love and witness. Let God be God in all His majesty and glory.

Begin Seven Days of Formation

← Return to About SHINE