We are told in Scripture that the “law,” which often in the New Testament refers to not just a law code but to the Old Covenant system, “was our tutor to bring us unto Christ” (Galatians 3:24, NKJV). In the King James Version is “schoolmaster” in place of tutor. The Greek word is “paidagōgós,” and the role includes not only instuction, but “guardianship,” both training of and constant attendance to the conduct and safety of a child.
Repentance according to Scripture is necessary for salvation. Genuine repentance from a Scriptural standpoint is not just remorse, although it includes that, but a change in the way you think, and behave, and are – to a different way – to become a different person. Repentance from sin is a “change of mind [that] involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary).
Daily and effective prayer is essential to one’s relationship with God. We are instructed in Scripture “…in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). We are given guidelines in various scriptures regarding prayer, including how to pray, in what spirit and attitude we should pray, and specific things we should pray for. How often do you remind yourself of these precepts, and are you applying them in your prayers daily?
Prayer is an essential element in spiritual vitality. It’s in prayer that we develop the close personal relationship with God that makes his spirit a power in our lives. We repent in prayer. It’s in prayer that we labor for the salvation not only of ourselves but of others. It’s in prayer that we give praise and thanksgiving to God and seek of him those things of which we have need. It’s vital to pray–and to understand how to pray, when, for what.
In the Bible are found many names and titles for God. The faithful who abide in God’s word are called by his name (Jeremiah 15:16). The true Church bears the name of God. It is said of the Philadelphia era of the Church in part “you…Have not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8). He who overcomes bears the name of God. Those dwelling in the new Jerusalem shall have the name of God on their foreheads (Revelation 22:4), symbolic of having engraved in their minds the knowledge of the inherent meaning of God’s name and the spiritual and intellectual likeness of God which his name expresses.