Ancient Christian Steps -based on John Cassian’s (360-435 A.D.) “The Rule of the Master” (5th century A.D.), the source of St. Benedict’s (480-530 A.D.) “12 Steps of Humility”, chapter 7 of the book “The Rule” (6th century A.D.). John Cassian’s concepts are drawn from the ascetic traditions of the “Egyptian Desert Fathers,” monks who date back to the 2nd century A.D., and are based on Luke’s Gospel, Proverbs, and 2 Corinthians 7:8-11.
A. Receive the Gospel
B. Accept the Gospel
- Accept and be sorry for self induced sinned, separating oneself from the Loving God, and inability to do anything to remove that sin with one’s own ability. Fear God’s judgment of my guilt.
- Accept that only the Benevolent God can remove my sin and guilt through Jesus’ selfless sacrifice in my place. Accept the Gracious God’s unmerited forgiveness.
- Admit my sin and helpless state to Merciful God, knowing Righteous God is just in his judgment. Humble yourself before Almighty God.
- Ask Righteous and Loving God to remove my sin and give hope for eternal life in union with Christ Jesus. Ask for forgiveness for all sin. Ask Just God to establish a righteous relationship with him through his One and Only Son, Jesus.
- Ask Omnipotent God to take absolute and total control of my life. State, “I submit all control of my life totally over to the One and Only Lord God Almighty. I will obey God’s will and word.”
C. Begin Active Change
- Pray, read and study the Holy Bible, meditate on God and the Bible, and worship God your Father regularly.
- Attend a Bible-believing and loving congregation for corporate worship and fellowship.
- Persevere in the strength of God’s Spirit during hardship, persecution, and trouble. Remember the hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus.
- Take a moral inventory according to the Bible, admitting wrong especially regarding your actions toward other people. Morality’s basis is Jesus’ love and righteousness.
- Ask God to help working to stop doing wrong and start doing right. Make positive changes, especially regarding love towards others and hating sin in yourself.
- Ask God to help make needed character changes as you make positive changes.
- Seek to make amends with people harmed because of your sinful and selfish ways, but only when they are open to it.
- Help people in love and respect as God directs. Find God’s place for you to serve his church, even in minimal tasks, not for self-benefit, but for the benefit of others, whether all or for one.
- Be ready to kindly and respectfully share your faith in Jesus and what you believe, defend the weak and helpless, and refrain from selfish praise.
- Dress and appear modestly while not being eccentric so that your presentation does not hinder your witness about Jesus and what you believe.
