From the New Testament perspective: 'The Christian life is not a matter of replacement, but a matter of grafting'

 

From the New Testament perspective: 'The Christian life is not a matter of replacement, but a matter of grafting'

 

Item	Content
Main Point	The Christian life is a matter of grafting, not replacement
Explanation	1. The rich life (Christ's life) influences and transforms the poor life (human life) 2. Christ's life swallows up the defects of human life, but does not eliminate human life 3. Human life is uplifted, enriched, and transformed, rather than replaced
Grafting Process	1. The lower life (human life) is grafted into the higher life (divine life) 2. The higher life swallows up the defects and weaknesses of the lower life 3. The lower life is enriched, uplifted, and transformed
Results of Grafting	1. Problem factors are overcome 2. Original functions are restored and strengthened 3. Human characteristics are preserved but elevated 4. Wonderful fruit is produced
Characteristics of Christ's Life	1. Contains elements of incarnation, human living, crucifixion, and resurrection 2. Possesses killing power (like spiritual antibiotics) 3. Contains nourishing elements
God's Method vs. Human Method	God's method: Let Christ's life swallow up the defects of human life Human method: Hope to completely replace human life with divine life
Examples	1. The analogy of antibiotics killing bacteria 2. Branches grafted onto a better tree, retaining characteristics but being uplifted 3. Human disposition is not abolished, but uplifted and used
Application	The more we love the Lord Jesus and become one with Him, the more we experience the killing power of spiritual antibiotics
Related Scriptures	John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Romans 11:17 "If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root,"

 

This table summarizes the main points about the Christian life as a grafting process. It emphasizes how Christ's life changes and uplifts human life, rather than simply replacing it. This process preserves individual uniqueness while also bringing profound change and growth.

 

Please refer to Life-Study of Romans, Message Sixty-three: Not a Replaced Life, but a Grafted Life

Please refer to the 2024 Memorial Day Conference - The Christian Life, Message Two: The Grafted Life