The New Rhythm of Grace: How Sanctification Transforms Your Christian Life | Colossians 3 (Chapter 6)

In chapter 6 of Sinclair Ferguson's "Devoted to God," we explore sanctification not as a burden of self-effort, but as learning a new rhythm.  This is living in the rhythm of heaven itself. Like Russian dolls fitting perfectly together, the Christian life reveals layers that all point to the same truth: God's grace comes first, and our obedience flows from what He has already done.

Through Colossians 3:1-17, Ferguson shows us that grace doesn't just rescue us from sin's penalty; it retrains our hearts. We're not merely forgiven.  We need to see that we're being recreated from the inside out. This is the Spirit teaching us to dance to a new beat, transforming us through our union with Christ.

The new rhythm involves both putting off and putting on. We shed the old wardrobe of anger, lust, greed, and pride.  We are not doing this for moral improvement, but because those clothes no longer fit.  We are new creatures in Christ. Instead, we clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love. These aren't abstract virtues; they are reflections of Jesus himself.

Sanctification begins with a change of identity before it ever becomes a change of behavior. This rhythm isn't frantic or forced, but it's peaceful. The music of the gospel is not a mundane march, but more like a heartbeat.