Most educational systems are built on a hierarchy of learning. Elementary students must master specific academic standards to move to the next grade. High schools require prerequisite classes before more difficult courses are completed. Colleges expect freshmen to indicate a basic knowledge before enrolling in advanced coursework.
Gamers and sports lovers spend hours honing their skills to master every new challenge. Musicians dedicate countless hours of practice in musical or vocal compositions before a performance.
Every expert was once a beginner.
In the spiritual realm, God also has a hierarchy of learning and growth.
The sinner who admits their need for redemption begins a journey of discovery, learning to recognize the guiding voice of the Holy Spirit.
The novice level of faith comes when we recognize the need for Someone outside ourselves to satisfy our hearts’ longings. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, that former skeptic realizes that only Christ could provide redemption and restoration to the Creator (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23).
Beginners in Christ are those whose newfound faith is energized and active, who seek to please out of gratitude for His sacrifice and work in their lives (1 Peter 2:2; Romans 12:1, 2). They may stumble and fall occasionally but quickly return to God in repentance.
Disciples who have moved beyond the milk of infancy in their faith develop patterns of obedience, avoiding the pitfalls before temptation becomes overwhelming. These intermediate-level Christians seek to perfect their knowledge of God’s Word and what pleases Him (2 Peter 3:18; Romans 5:2-6).
Seasoned saints have progressed from novice, beginner, and intermediate faith into lifestyles of love and joy when in the presence of God. Without reminders, they choose to spend time in prayer and fellowship with other believers.
While each of us finds ourselves at different points on the road to heaven — occasionally alone, other times accompanied by those we emulate or someone we seek to mentor — the ultimate need remains the cultivation of a heart willing to recognize our need, repent, and return to the God Who loves us eternally. Those are God’s most important prerequisites.
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