Progress

The process of development and growth, of special importance in the life of believers. Scripture stresses the importance of progress, both of the individual believer and of the church, and the need to work towards that goal.

Progress in the Christian life should be expected

2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:15 See also Job 17:9; Psalm 84:5, Psalm 84:7, Psalm 92:12; Proverbs 4:18; Romans 8:29–30

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.

Believers are to strive for progress in their Christian lives

Philippians 2:12 See also Psalm 18:29; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Philippians 3:12–14; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Timothy 4:15; Hebrews 6:1; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 1:5–8, 2 Peter 3:18

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

Progress in the Christian life brings assurance

Hebrews 3:14 See also Matthew 10:22 parallel Mark 13:13; Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 6:9–11

We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.

The church is expected to progress

Matthew 16:18, Matthew 13:31–32 parallels Mark 4:30–32, Luke 13:18–19Ephesians 4:16 See also Acts 2:47, Acts 4:4, Acts 5:14, Acts 6:7, Acts 11:21

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in his field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”

From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.