It only took one day to get the Israelites out of Egypt; it took a life-time (and then some) to get Egypt out of the Israelites. Likewise, it takes a moment for God to change a person’s eternal destiny but a life-time to change their sin nature.

Christians must not only receive grace but learn to give it to themselves. In other words, growth in God’s grace is understanding that on this side of eternity a person will never be perfect, sin is still present unfortunately. A Christian must learn to view themselves as God sees them – in Christ. This is their new identity.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2Corinthians 5:17

However, this does not mean a Christian is satisfied with their sin nature. There should be no contentment with complacency. In fact, the believer faces daily spiritual conflict and war.

“How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:2-4

“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25

“But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today’, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13

“let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6