Christ-Like by God’s Grace: Believing and Living Our Oneness with Christ
Introduction to Chapter Three
In Chapter Three of Cain-Likeness to Christ-Likeness, David Kuykendall brings us deeper into the heart of transformation through God’s grace. Building on the foundation of our union with Christ, Kuykendall focuses on the essential role of faith in reckoning the truths of Scripture as already accomplished in our lives.
This chapter challenges us to move beyond striving for change and step into the reality of transformation that comes through belief, surrender, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Faith First, Then Reality
Believing What Is True
Transformation begins when we believe what God has already accomplished in Christ. Kuykendall reminds us that our spiritual journey parallels our salvation:
We hear the truth.
We believe the truth.
We act on the truth.
Romans 6:11 calls us to “reckon” ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. This act of reckoning isn’t about trying to make something true—it’s about accepting that it already is. And why is it true? Because God said so.
Faith Precedes Experience
Kuykendall explains that faith always comes before we see the tangible evidence of transformation. This mirrors Jesus’ teaching in Mark 11:24: “All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye have received them, and ye shall have them.”
When we believe that our old nature was crucified with Christ and that we are now alive in Him, we open the door for His life to flow in us and through us. Transformation follows faith, not the other way around.
Acting on the Truth
Exercising Our Will
While belief is foundational, Kuykendall emphasizes the importance of choosing to live in alignment with the truth. Romans 6:13 urges us to “yield yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead.” This daily yielding is a conscious decision to trust Christ as the source of our life and victory.
The Mystery of Change
Kuykendall shares his personal breakthrough in experiencing transformation. As he began thanking God for the truths of his oneness with Christ—declaring that anger, fear, jealousy, and resentment were crucified—he found progressive freedom. This is the mystery of grace: transformation flows from believing, reckoning, and yielding.
The Threefold Experience
The Death of the “Old Man”
Our “old man” was crucified with Christ. When we reckon this truth to be real, sin’s grip loosens, and we are freed from the attitudes and actions rooted in self-reliance and pride.
The Spirit-Filled Life
Many long for the Spirit-filled life but are hindered by the “flesh”—our tendency to trust in ourselves. Kuykendall explains that as we reckon the flesh crucified, the Holy Spirit fills us, producing supernatural love, joy, peace, and more (Galatians 5:22-23).
Enthroned Living
Ephesians 2:5-6 declares that we are seated with Christ in heavenly places. This truth is not just positional—it’s meant to be lived out. Enthroned living equips us with authority over the enemy and deepens our fellowship with God, allowing us to reflect Christ’s victory.
Practical Takeaways
Reckon It True
Daily remind yourself of the truths of your union with Christ:You are dead to sin.
Your “old man” is crucified.
You are alive to God.
You are seated with Christ.
Yield to God
Surrender to Him daily, trusting Him to work in and through you.Pray with Faith
Instead of striving, thank God for the transformation He has already accomplished in Christ.
Encouragement for Today
Transformation from Cain-likeness to Christ-likeness is not a matter of self-effort but of faith. By reckoning, yielding, and trusting, we experience the life of Christ flowing through us. As Kuykendall reminds us, “Faith always precedes reality.”
Reflection Question
What area of your life are you struggling to surrender to God’s grace? How might believing in your union with Christ reshape your approach?
Closing Prayer of Praise
Lord Jesus, thank You for the incredible truth of our oneness with You. Thank You that our “old man” has been crucified, and we are alive to God through Your resurrection. Thank You for teaching us to reckon these truths daily, to yield to You moment by moment, and to trust in Your grace to transform us. May our lives reflect Your victory, for Your glory. Amen.
Resource Highlight
We’re grateful to David Kuykendall for offering complimentary access to his writings. Explore the full text of Cain-Likeness to Christ-Likeness and other resources on David Kuykendall Ministries’ website.
For direct access to this work, visit: Cain-Likeness to Christ-Likeness.
Stay tuned as we continue this journey next week with Chapter Four, where we’ll explore specific ways God’s grace transforms our relationships and attitudes!