In Christ, God is no longer dealing with you based on sin.
What sins? The same sins that Christ died for? At the cross there was a righteous exchange. God's Justice and Mercy met, showing us the greatest expression of love:
"In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10.
Because God loved us so and does not want any to perish, He gave His own Son, the Lamb of God Himself to save us from sin and death. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
Believer, see a picture of God's love for us our reality in Christ today in the shadow of the old system that is the law of Moses as shown in the video below. Notice one thing in the old system which is a shadow of the new:
The priest examines the LAMB and not the SINNER. God is not looking at how good you are. He is looking at how good our Sacrificial Lamb is; the One He provided for us by Himself, Jesus Christ, of whom John the Baptist said "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
Today, with Jesus Christ the Lamb of God as your "one sacrifice for sins forever," According to Hebrews 10:12, God is not examining you for your sins. Christ is our perfect atonement. God sees you as Christ is in this world- RIGHTEOUS- even in your imperfections. See 1 John 4:17-
"Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world."
If we ever forget anything, by Grace, let us remember and constantly meditate on (speak out) these nine words:
"as He is, so are we in this world."
Not when we die but "in this world." Today. Right now. Always. Is Christ depressed? Is Christ sick? Is Christ locked down in captivity by sins and addictions? Is Christ suicidal? Is Christ worried? Is Christ toiling so hard with little to show for it? Is Christ barren? Is Christ lacking in any good thing? NO!!! These things are all symptoms of death which exist and reign in the lives of many because of Adam's disobedience. See Romans 5:17- "For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one Man, Jesus Christ."
Not by might, not by power do we overcome sin and death but by Jesus Christ. These symptoms of death might be present with you now but by God's grace alone, keep on confessing your righteousnedd in Christ and His promises for the righteous, especially in the midst of your sins, troubles and negative circumstances.
Remember saw darkness at the beginning of creation and said "Light, be!" And there was light. Just imagine what would have happened if God had said: "This place is so dark, empty and without form!!!" The darkness would remain and there would be no creation.
Speak out the good you want to see. Remember Romans 10:10- "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
When you voice out your righteousness in Christ, salvation follows. "Salvation" here is not just being saved to go to heaven; it is also deliverance from the molestation of enemies and redemption from all earthly ills. It is being saved from the penalty, power, presence and pleasure of sin! The word used in the original Greek translation of the New Testament is Swthria (pronounced soteria) and it encompasses all of these meanings. When you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth your righteousness in Christ, every single blessing that is for the righteous in the bible is yours.
Remember 2 Corinthians 3:18: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
When you look at yourself in the mirror of your life, see not your flaws, sins and addictions but what our Heavenly Father has made you to be in Christ: Righteous. Confess "as Christ is so are we in this world" and watch the Holy Spirit transform you to the image of His glory, from glory to glory. We are transformed by looking to Jesus for Salvation, not by doing.
Salvation is not about behaviour modification by human effort aka the arm of flesh that will fail. Salvation is all about hearts' transformation. In Christ, we are not our own righteousness. The Lord is our Righteousness. In Him, we don't HAVE TO live right; we GET TO live right.
Beware of those who say "Yes you are saved by Grace but you still have to keep the law in order to get right with God, enjoy His blessing and make heaven." Such only rob you of your inheritance in Christ, because "It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith." Romans 4:13.
Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us- "For it was only through this wonderful grace that we believed in Him. Nothing we did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the gracious gift from God that brought us to Christ! 9 So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving."
Believers, Jesus Christ "our High Priest offered Himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time." Hebrews 10:12. By God's grace, stop driving to earn salvation and rest in His finished work. In Him, the thoughts of the Holy Spirit become our action.
The Holy Spirit will teach you all things.
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