I was teaching a new believers class yesterday at church. In the class I describe how Christians are ‘positionally’ righteous before God, because of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross. Simply said- God treats us as if we are as righteous and sinless as Christ Himself. Of course, we are not ‘practically’ righteous in every way. We are being transformed and sanctified by the washing of the Word and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. So, does God simply ignore the implications of our sin and our breach of His Holy Law? Not at all, instead He satisfied the sin debt we owed by paying for it Himself through His own dear Son. Wow! We as Christians have the opportunity to plumb the depths of God’s goodness, mystery and love. Let’s do that by studying the law, the prophets and most importantly- the life of Jesus Christ.
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 3:19-22 NASB
Have I discovered and appreciated the freedom afforded me in Christ? Do I treat my freedom from the penalty of sin and burden of the law as cheap grace?
God, as this day begins- help me walk into this brand new week able to take on the challenges it brings, minister to others well, and fulfill Your calling on my life. Thank you that You truly have provided all that I need to live this life in a godly way, through Jesus’ example and commands and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. May I walk in the spirit today!
