But still there is no satisfying explanation for the strange mystique which broods over this great structure. The superstitious fear that curses lurk within its darkened chambers, while others think that it was made by alien intelligence from another planet. Some Christians even insist that God was its architect, designing it as a sort of key to Bible prophecy.

It’s fascinating to play detective and try to solve such riddles as the Great Pyramid of Khufu. But so far as ultimate values are concerned, it’s not essential if that magnificent building never gives up its secrets. But what is essential—indeed, more essential than anything else—is your relationship with God. And thankfully the only mysteries in that relationship are open secrets, plainly revealed in the Bible and in the experience of God’s people.

Relationship? Yes, this is the first secret which as a Christian you must learn; for it is basic to all the rest. If you wish to become a happy, consistent, and victorious Christian, you must devote yourself to a faithful, growing, and lifelong relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This means developing strong family ties with Him, since He is your Heavenly Father—ties that are reverent, loving, and vibrant and which are forged day after day as you open yourself to the Holy Spirit and to His direction. The Bible does not point to any easy “quick-fix” answers to Christian growth, but rather to a careful journey of faith and obedience toward spiritual fullness, health, and maturity. It is the exciting process of becoming more and more like Jesus—and thus more fully Christian—in all the areas of your life.

This process began in your conversion—that moment of spiritual rebirth when you became a “new creature” in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). No one is ever truly converted until he or she enters into a voluntary, binding, all-embracing covenant with God, for covenant is the foundation of all relationship with Him. In a sense, it’s like saying the wedding vows to God, for you pledge solemn, absolute, and exclusive commitment to Him—“for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health.” “Whether You bless me with joyful feelings or leave me without them; whether You send pleasant times or permit trials and troubles; whether You comfort me with the support of Christian friends or let me go on alone except for Your presence, I will be Yours, Lord God; I will be Yours entirely; and I will be Yours forever!” Spiritual breakdown will come if you do not make this vow so firmly that you never intend to break it. Breakdown will also occur “in the time of temptation,” if you forget your vow and “fall away,” or if you turn away from it, “choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life” (Lk. 813–14).

We never enter covenant with God as equals, of course; for He is by far the greater partner in this sacred compact. But if we will come to Him gladly and humbly, submitting to His terms, He will receive us, forgive our sins, and reshape us in His own likeness. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt:11:28). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).

Steadfastly you must believe God’s promises and rely fully upon them. For this certain confidence in Him and His Word is the faith by which we are saved (John 3:36) and by which we live (Rom. 1:17). In every case, “He is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandment…” (Deut. 7:9). Indeed, He will be faithful to us even when we are not faithful to Him. It is sin to break our vows to God, and sin is always tragic. But even in our worst failures, God is ready to forgive us and restore us; and that is why He invites us to return and renew the broken covenant.

As you “walk in the light, as He is in the light” (I John 1:7), submissive to the disciplines of holy purpose and holy habit, the covenant bonds which hold you to Him will become increasingly stronger. Victory over sin will be easier, and life in Jesus will become more steadfast. Your spiritual progress will lead through a deepening experience of holiness to the defining moment of entire sanctification and then on into greater usefulness and service. Remember, too, that the Christian life is always the moment-by-moment life, for you must depend continually upon God’s strength and continually obey God’s Word. For the focus is always NOW—what is going on now between you and God in dynamic relationship! Granted, the journey will demand discipline, purpose, and vigilance, but it is an exciting journey which will lead you home.

All this process in relationship is called spiritual formation, and it includes the means and methods God uses to turn us sinners into saints. For according to His purpose, we are all “called to be saints” (Rom. 1:7)—not sickly-looking mystics with painted-on halos, but earnest, robust, and consistent Christians of real value to His kingdom in this present world. Many scriptures speak of spiritual formation; but the whole process is summarized in 2 Co. 3:18: “But we all, with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” Note the words in this verse that define our growth in spiritual development:

Authenticity. Paul says that Christians maintain an “open face” toward Christ in contrast to the “veil” of spiritual blindness and hardness of heart which is “taken away” in our conversion. To keep this “open face” with God, you must walk with Him in utter honesty and with full transparency. Never hide behind excuses or previous spiritual attainments, but be “real” with Him and with others. If you fail, admit it; if you sin, confess it; if you need to make changes, make them. God is merciful, but He will not put up with deceit and double-dealing.

Focus. All the Christian life is one constant gaze upon the face of the Lord Jesus, “beholding as in a glass [mirror] the glory of the Lord.” He is revealed by the Spirit in the gospel, where we lovingly and deliberately focus upon His person, His character, and His mighty acts for us. If you wish to grow spiritually, keep your eyes on Him. Others will fail you, but He will not. Keep your eyes on Him, not on the world or even on other Christians. “…let us run with patience the race that is before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2).

Transformation. All the time we are “beholding…the glory of the Lord,” Paul promises, we are also being “changed into the same image”—that is, we are being transformed into the likeness of the Lord Jesus! Holiness is all about becoming like Jesus, and this only happens as we center our lives in Him. Only God’s grace can change sinful human nature, of course. But grace does require an active and positive response; and ordinarily He channels it to us only as we use the means of grace which He has appointed. If we use them lovingly, diligently, and confidently, we will grow in grace; if we do not, we will shrivel and die spiritually.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:41). This verse describes four of the means of grace which were especially important in the early church and which are still important to your daily life in Christ. They include

(1) “The apostles’ doctrine.” The apostles were Jesus’ representatives, sent to preach the gospel everywhere; and their teaching was the original Christian message, found in the New Testament. You must immerse yourself in the Bible to know and follow this same message which God has given.

(2) “Fellowship.” This is the common life of the church, which provides worship, encouragement, and accountability to believers. If you are going to be a healthy, growing Christian, you must become an active part of a spiritually-alive congregation.

(3) The “breaking of bread.” As most scholars agree, this was the Lord’s Supper, celebrated joyously and frequently by those early Christians. This is still “food for the journey,” and you should gratefully receive it as often as you can.

(4) “Prayers.” This refers to earnest entreaties to God, expressed in adoration, thanksgiving, confession, and supplication. If you are to grow in grace and become more like Jesus, you must devote yourself to disciplined, earnest, and faithful prayer.

There are other means of grace—such as witnessing and fasting—which God uses to give us His strength and favor, but these four are foundational. As you use them, He will transform you into Christ’s likeness “from glory unto glory,” or as J.B. Phillips translates the phrase, “with ever-increasing splendor.”

Source: All this is “by the Spirit of the Lord.” From the beginning to the end, our adventure with God is enabled and supported by the Holy Spirit, the living source of our sanctification. Christianity is not just a determined but failing effort at self-improvement. Rather it is abundant life in God, monitored and mentored by the Spirit, who “helpeth our infirmities” (Rom. 8:2), and who at last will bring us to glory.

There will be a day of final revelation when even the Great Pyramid of Khufu will give up its secrets. Even now, however, we know secrets far more important—open secrets which determine not only present life, but also eternal destiny. Basic to them all is this: If you want to become a happy, consistent, and victorious Christian, you must devote yourself to a faithful, growing and lifelong relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son. This is the exciting process of becoming more and more like Him, and thus more fully Christian, in all the areas of life. It is not a “quick-fix,” but rather a careful journey which will lead you home. “Time and obedience are enough,” wrote Frederick Faber, “and thou a saint shall be.”

—Larry D. Smith is editor of God’s Revivalist and a member of the faculty of the Division of Ministerial Education, God’s Bible School and College.