Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
If all of our deeds are as filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6), how can we present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him? The answer is not found in trying harder to be a better person; it’s found in the best Person, Christ.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in our doings and forget about what Jesus has done for us. This is especially true when we read verses that seem to imply some form of “work” on our part to be a better person. However, this continual striving to achieve some level of acceptance before God isn’t why Christ came. He came to give us rest (Matthew 11:28). The rest that we have in Christ includes rest from the striving to be a “good” person.
It is His work that has made us holy and acceptable. It isn’t our doing and it will never be our doing. So why did Paul pen this verse? Some may say that the Spirit inspired this scripture to keep us grounded in reality, that it’s a spiritual “gut-check” scripture. Are you being holy? Is what you’re doing holy? But I say otherwise.
This scripture is a reminder to the believer, not to work harder at being a better person, but to remember who we are in Christ. The focus here isn’t you; it’s Jesus. Paul isn’t arguing that we should become a bunch of self-examining, introspective obsessives. On the contrary, he is saying that we should be Jesus-focused when we come to God.
This is why Paul starts by saying, “...by the mercies of God...”. How do we present ourselves as holy and acceptable? It is by the mercies of God, through the cross and the finished work of Jesus Christ. The knowledge of who Jesus is and who He has made you in Him is what you are presenting to God. It is Christ who lives within you (Galatians 2:20). It is Christ who has made you holy and acceptable.
When you come before God you’re not presenting yourself as if you have something to offer; you’re presenting Christ who lives within you. You’re coming to God and saying, “Father, because of Your Son, Jesus, I am able to come before you today. It is by His grace and mercy that I am living, powerful, strong, healthy, and prosperous. It is because of Him that I am holy and acceptable.”
When you come to God, presenting to Him Jesus in you, He is pleased. In the process you’re renewing your mind in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, not being conformed to this world, but realizing that you’re transformed. This will empower you to live out the perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).
Friday, June 29, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Flight plan
Philippians 2:9
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.
Airplanes are a great invention. I can’t say that I’m the biggest fan of flying, but it’s amazing. To think that mankind has the ability and the knowledge to construct a machine capable of lifting off the ground, defying the law of gravity, and safely transporting people and cargo around the world is incredible.
I’ve flown a number of times throughout the years, sometimes on little planes and other times on jumbo jets. The ride changed based on the plane I was in, but one thing remained constant: I stayed in the plane.
It’s my opinion that jumping out of a perfectly good plane isn’t a good idea. Now, I know there are people who do jump out of planes, but they do it in a “safe” way with proper training and equipment. No one who desires to live long and prosper, however, would jump out of a plane without the proper equipment and training. That would be a death sentence.
So why all this talk of planes?
Well, I’m glad you asked. When Christ finished His work, dying on the cross, and resurrecting from the dead, being the perfect sacrifice to satisfy God’s requirements, He ascended to Heaven where He sat down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12). His position, seated, shows us that the work is finished.
When we place our faith in Christ’s finished work through the cross, God places us in Christ, seated at His right hand. This is something that Jesus asked for before He went to the cross (John 17:20-23). It is part of the entire grace package that has been given to us through His sacrifice.
Grace is our ticket into Christ. It’s like flying in a plane that has no chance of crashing. You’re safe in Christ; you’re above the storms. His name soars above all other names. Whatever you can think of that has a name is beneath Him. Depression, anxiety, poverty, alcoholism, food addiction, cancer, AIDS, and death are all names. But God has highly exalted Christ and given Him the name above ALL other names.
Those who are in Christ have been lifted up with Him. It’s not that we’re above all names, but the plane we’re in, Jesus, is. Because of Him we are given the grace to know by faith that as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).
I never really liked flying, but I can guarantee that the next time I get on a plane I’ll be seeing the flight from a different point of view. I won’t be thinking about the physical plane, but about the safety and security found in the name above all names, Jesus Christ!
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.
Airplanes are a great invention. I can’t say that I’m the biggest fan of flying, but it’s amazing. To think that mankind has the ability and the knowledge to construct a machine capable of lifting off the ground, defying the law of gravity, and safely transporting people and cargo around the world is incredible.
I’ve flown a number of times throughout the years, sometimes on little planes and other times on jumbo jets. The ride changed based on the plane I was in, but one thing remained constant: I stayed in the plane.
It’s my opinion that jumping out of a perfectly good plane isn’t a good idea. Now, I know there are people who do jump out of planes, but they do it in a “safe” way with proper training and equipment. No one who desires to live long and prosper, however, would jump out of a plane without the proper equipment and training. That would be a death sentence.
So why all this talk of planes?
Well, I’m glad you asked. When Christ finished His work, dying on the cross, and resurrecting from the dead, being the perfect sacrifice to satisfy God’s requirements, He ascended to Heaven where He sat down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12). His position, seated, shows us that the work is finished.
When we place our faith in Christ’s finished work through the cross, God places us in Christ, seated at His right hand. This is something that Jesus asked for before He went to the cross (John 17:20-23). It is part of the entire grace package that has been given to us through His sacrifice.
Grace is our ticket into Christ. It’s like flying in a plane that has no chance of crashing. You’re safe in Christ; you’re above the storms. His name soars above all other names. Whatever you can think of that has a name is beneath Him. Depression, anxiety, poverty, alcoholism, food addiction, cancer, AIDS, and death are all names. But God has highly exalted Christ and given Him the name above ALL other names.
Those who are in Christ have been lifted up with Him. It’s not that we’re above all names, but the plane we’re in, Jesus, is. Because of Him we are given the grace to know by faith that as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).
I never really liked flying, but I can guarantee that the next time I get on a plane I’ll be seeing the flight from a different point of view. I won’t be thinking about the physical plane, but about the safety and security found in the name above all names, Jesus Christ!
Monday, June 11, 2012
You are strong.
Exodus 1:7
But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.
Joseph, by the grace of God, was able to bring his entire family into the land of Egypt. He gave them the best portion of the land, freedom to raise their crops, and provided for their families in every other way. Pharaoh even gave them charge over his flocks based on the word of Joseph (Genesis 47:6).
But, as is with any human life, Joseph and that generation of his family eventually all died. His Pharaoh also died and a new Pharaoh took over, one who didn’t know Joseph or all that he had done for Egypt. But the death of Joseph did not stop the blessing on his people.
As the children of Israel, who were quickly becoming a great nation, grew in numbers, this new Pharaoh became very afraid. He began to impose strict rules; he set taskmasters over them and afflicted them with great burdens (Exodus 1:11). Basically, Pharaoh made the children of Israel a slave nation.
Yet, in spite of all that he did, Israel continued to prosper in the land. They continued to grow strong and mighty. They, because of their increased numbers and prosperity, became a perceived threat to Egypt. The Egyptians saw this; Pharaoh saw this, but the children of Israel did not. They did not see how great a nation they had become. They were unaware of the power that they held and their ability to be free from the bondage of Pharaoh. Instead, they submitted to lives of servitude to a cruel ruler.
How many times in our lives do we subject ourselves to the whims of a tyrannical ruler? We have a far greater power than the vast numbers of bodies the children of Israel possessed; we have the finished work of Jesus Christ. We aren’t living under the rule of a Pharaoh, but in a world where the Devil is the prince (John 14:30). And, like the children of Israel, we sometimes forget how great a power we possess!
Israel could have mounted up and taken Egypt, and Egypt knew it. The sad fact that Israel didn’t know it is what kept an entire nation, millions of people, in bondage. Here’s the truth for today: Christ has fought and won the war. The Devil has no authority over you because you are covered by the finished work of Christ’s blood. Satan wants you to believe that you are powerless; he wants you to think that you must work, work, work and never take a rest. But Jesus says that He has come to give you rest (Matthew 11:28)!
When the enemy tries to pressure you and keep you down, rise up and resist (James 4:7). He will flee from you because he knows you are in Christ and Christ is in you! Know that, because of Jesus, you are free from the dominant rule of the Devil. You are free to worship, to praise, and to prosper. You are free to enjoy the land, your family, and your health. The Devil knows he’s defeated and now you do, too!
But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.
Joseph, by the grace of God, was able to bring his entire family into the land of Egypt. He gave them the best portion of the land, freedom to raise their crops, and provided for their families in every other way. Pharaoh even gave them charge over his flocks based on the word of Joseph (Genesis 47:6).
But, as is with any human life, Joseph and that generation of his family eventually all died. His Pharaoh also died and a new Pharaoh took over, one who didn’t know Joseph or all that he had done for Egypt. But the death of Joseph did not stop the blessing on his people.
As the children of Israel, who were quickly becoming a great nation, grew in numbers, this new Pharaoh became very afraid. He began to impose strict rules; he set taskmasters over them and afflicted them with great burdens (Exodus 1:11). Basically, Pharaoh made the children of Israel a slave nation.
Yet, in spite of all that he did, Israel continued to prosper in the land. They continued to grow strong and mighty. They, because of their increased numbers and prosperity, became a perceived threat to Egypt. The Egyptians saw this; Pharaoh saw this, but the children of Israel did not. They did not see how great a nation they had become. They were unaware of the power that they held and their ability to be free from the bondage of Pharaoh. Instead, they submitted to lives of servitude to a cruel ruler.
How many times in our lives do we subject ourselves to the whims of a tyrannical ruler? We have a far greater power than the vast numbers of bodies the children of Israel possessed; we have the finished work of Jesus Christ. We aren’t living under the rule of a Pharaoh, but in a world where the Devil is the prince (John 14:30). And, like the children of Israel, we sometimes forget how great a power we possess!
Israel could have mounted up and taken Egypt, and Egypt knew it. The sad fact that Israel didn’t know it is what kept an entire nation, millions of people, in bondage. Here’s the truth for today: Christ has fought and won the war. The Devil has no authority over you because you are covered by the finished work of Christ’s blood. Satan wants you to believe that you are powerless; he wants you to think that you must work, work, work and never take a rest. But Jesus says that He has come to give you rest (Matthew 11:28)!
When the enemy tries to pressure you and keep you down, rise up and resist (James 4:7). He will flee from you because he knows you are in Christ and Christ is in you! Know that, because of Jesus, you are free from the dominant rule of the Devil. You are free to worship, to praise, and to prosper. You are free to enjoy the land, your family, and your health. The Devil knows he’s defeated and now you do, too!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Dysfunctional family.
Genesis 50:21
Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
They sold their brother into slavery. They lied to their father and told him that Joseph had been killed. They found out he was the prince of Egypt. They were reconciled to him. He prospered them, protected them, and provided for them. When their father died, they believed all he had done was only temporary. They believed that he would come for them; they believed he hadn’t really forgiven them.
This is the story of Joseph and his family in a nutshell. If ever there was a dysfunctional family, it was this one. Multiple children from multiple wives. A father who loved one child more than the rest. Eleven brothers who conspired against one. Lies, deception, bloodshed, slavery, more lies, prison, famine, sadness, unforgiveness, and all of the same issues that plague our lives today were present in the lineage of God’s chosen people.
Our world looks today a lot like Joseph’s family did back then. We all suffer with brokenness in our families. We all have lied; we all have fallen short of the expectations of our families and loved ones. But this isn’t just about our families; it’s about our relationship with God. We’ve all sinned; we’ve all failed to meet God’s holy requirements (Romans 3:23). We’re all part of the dysfunctional, broken up family of God.
But God, like Joseph, has forgiven us of all of our wrongdoing. He, through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, has graciously paid the price for our sin debt. Not only has He forgiven us, but He has provided a way, through Jesus, to prosper us, heal our hurts, and give us abundance of life.
The unfortunate truth is that a lot of people, a lot of Christians, aren’t believing the forgiveness is for real, forever. They aren’t believing that it is final forgiveness, granted eternally through the cross. There are people who think that God is still mad at them. They think that He is waiting for His opportunity to pour out His holy wrath on them.
This warped perception of who God is and how God acts has kept Christians from fully receiving all of the benefits that are ours through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph’s brothers, we, in some cases, have come to believe that it’s too good to last. We think that God’s goodness is temporary and that His wrath is eternal. The truth is this: His forgiveness is eternal and His wrath is exhausted. He satisfied His wrath in the body of Jesus Christ.
Notice the words of Joseph. Even after being wrongly accused of plotting against his brothers, Joseph responds with love, forgiveness, and grace. Instead of saying, “I can’t believe this is what you think of me!” Joseph responds with, “...do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.”
Friends, this is exactly what our God is saying to you today. Even though you may have lived with disbelief or unbelief, even though you may have inaccurately understood who He is, God can’t help but be gracious toward you. It’s not because of you, however, but because of Jesus. Jesus’ overpayment on the cross exceeded God’s wrath. The sacrifice was greater than the fire! Because of Jesus, when God looks at you, even in your moments of unbelief of His love for you, He says, “Do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones!”
Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
They sold their brother into slavery. They lied to their father and told him that Joseph had been killed. They found out he was the prince of Egypt. They were reconciled to him. He prospered them, protected them, and provided for them. When their father died, they believed all he had done was only temporary. They believed that he would come for them; they believed he hadn’t really forgiven them.
This is the story of Joseph and his family in a nutshell. If ever there was a dysfunctional family, it was this one. Multiple children from multiple wives. A father who loved one child more than the rest. Eleven brothers who conspired against one. Lies, deception, bloodshed, slavery, more lies, prison, famine, sadness, unforgiveness, and all of the same issues that plague our lives today were present in the lineage of God’s chosen people.
Our world looks today a lot like Joseph’s family did back then. We all suffer with brokenness in our families. We all have lied; we all have fallen short of the expectations of our families and loved ones. But this isn’t just about our families; it’s about our relationship with God. We’ve all sinned; we’ve all failed to meet God’s holy requirements (Romans 3:23). We’re all part of the dysfunctional, broken up family of God.
But God, like Joseph, has forgiven us of all of our wrongdoing. He, through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, has graciously paid the price for our sin debt. Not only has He forgiven us, but He has provided a way, through Jesus, to prosper us, heal our hurts, and give us abundance of life.
The unfortunate truth is that a lot of people, a lot of Christians, aren’t believing the forgiveness is for real, forever. They aren’t believing that it is final forgiveness, granted eternally through the cross. There are people who think that God is still mad at them. They think that He is waiting for His opportunity to pour out His holy wrath on them.
This warped perception of who God is and how God acts has kept Christians from fully receiving all of the benefits that are ours through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph’s brothers, we, in some cases, have come to believe that it’s too good to last. We think that God’s goodness is temporary and that His wrath is eternal. The truth is this: His forgiveness is eternal and His wrath is exhausted. He satisfied His wrath in the body of Jesus Christ.
Notice the words of Joseph. Even after being wrongly accused of plotting against his brothers, Joseph responds with love, forgiveness, and grace. Instead of saying, “I can’t believe this is what you think of me!” Joseph responds with, “...do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.”
Friends, this is exactly what our God is saying to you today. Even though you may have lived with disbelief or unbelief, even though you may have inaccurately understood who He is, God can’t help but be gracious toward you. It’s not because of you, however, but because of Jesus. Jesus’ overpayment on the cross exceeded God’s wrath. The sacrifice was greater than the fire! Because of Jesus, when God looks at you, even in your moments of unbelief of His love for you, He says, “Do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones!”
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
That's lame!
Luke 5:20
When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
The first and foremost thing that Jesus wants you to know is this: your sins are forgiven! This may be the most important information to be found in the Bible, and yet, it is commonly the most under-taught subject. Why do you suppose that is?
I have some ideas, not the least of which is this: the Devil doesn’t want you to know this fact. If you are constantly reminded of your status, forgiven, with Christ, by Christ, you become a danger to the Devil and his plans. When you are secure in knowing that God isn’t mad at you, even when you still make mistakes, you are free to do the good works that He [God] has prepared for you to walk into (Ephesians 2:10).
You see, sometimes the thought of God being upset or “mad” at you for your sin can stop you from becoming all that He has planned for you to become through the finished work of Jesus Christ. The thought that your sins aren’t all forgiven, that there are still some you need to confess for forgiveness, can hinder the advancement of God’s kingdom and delay the blessings He has prepared for your life. Even though you are forgiven, if you don’t know that fact you become lame.
This is why, when the paralytic was brought to Christ, the first thing He said was, “...your sins are forgiven...”: Before the man was able to do anything that God had intended for him to do, he had to know that he was forgiven. Before he could receive the blessings that Jesus had waiting for him, he had to be brought to the knowledge that Jesus had already forgiven him. Thank God he had faithful friends!
Not only were his friends faithful that Jesus could heal the man, they were faithful that He would. This is where we, Christians, come into the picture. One, we must know we are forgiven. But two, and more importantly, we must know that others are forgiven as well! Not only is it important for our spiritual health to know this fact, but it is imperative that we let others know the same truth.
When we bring people to Christ it is for the sole purpose of letting them see the truth: their sins are forgiven. As we do this, Christ looks at our faith, and blesses the lame. Maybe it’s a friend or family member who is need of this knowledge. Or, perhaps it’s a church member who has forgotten this fact. Either way, before any more work can be done, the reassurance of forgiveness must be proclaimed!
This story ends with a paralyzed man standing. Not only was he able to stand, but he was able to pick up his stuff, walk out of the building, and return to his family. I can’t begin to imagine the blessings that came into this man’s life, as well as his families’ life, after he heard the simple truth: your sins are forgiven.
Whatever the case may be in your life. Whether you are feeling separated from God because of something you’ve done, or you’re trying to lead someone to Jesus start with forgiveness. Forgiveness fixes the lame, heals the sick, and restores relationships. It’s what Jesus is all about!
When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
The first and foremost thing that Jesus wants you to know is this: your sins are forgiven! This may be the most important information to be found in the Bible, and yet, it is commonly the most under-taught subject. Why do you suppose that is?
I have some ideas, not the least of which is this: the Devil doesn’t want you to know this fact. If you are constantly reminded of your status, forgiven, with Christ, by Christ, you become a danger to the Devil and his plans. When you are secure in knowing that God isn’t mad at you, even when you still make mistakes, you are free to do the good works that He [God] has prepared for you to walk into (Ephesians 2:10).
You see, sometimes the thought of God being upset or “mad” at you for your sin can stop you from becoming all that He has planned for you to become through the finished work of Jesus Christ. The thought that your sins aren’t all forgiven, that there are still some you need to confess for forgiveness, can hinder the advancement of God’s kingdom and delay the blessings He has prepared for your life. Even though you are forgiven, if you don’t know that fact you become lame.
This is why, when the paralytic was brought to Christ, the first thing He said was, “...your sins are forgiven...”: Before the man was able to do anything that God had intended for him to do, he had to know that he was forgiven. Before he could receive the blessings that Jesus had waiting for him, he had to be brought to the knowledge that Jesus had already forgiven him. Thank God he had faithful friends!
Not only were his friends faithful that Jesus could heal the man, they were faithful that He would. This is where we, Christians, come into the picture. One, we must know we are forgiven. But two, and more importantly, we must know that others are forgiven as well! Not only is it important for our spiritual health to know this fact, but it is imperative that we let others know the same truth.
When we bring people to Christ it is for the sole purpose of letting them see the truth: their sins are forgiven. As we do this, Christ looks at our faith, and blesses the lame. Maybe it’s a friend or family member who is need of this knowledge. Or, perhaps it’s a church member who has forgotten this fact. Either way, before any more work can be done, the reassurance of forgiveness must be proclaimed!
This story ends with a paralyzed man standing. Not only was he able to stand, but he was able to pick up his stuff, walk out of the building, and return to his family. I can’t begin to imagine the blessings that came into this man’s life, as well as his families’ life, after he heard the simple truth: your sins are forgiven.
Whatever the case may be in your life. Whether you are feeling separated from God because of something you’ve done, or you’re trying to lead someone to Jesus start with forgiveness. Forgiveness fixes the lame, heals the sick, and restores relationships. It’s what Jesus is all about!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Yes, but...
Acts 15:5
But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”
Have you ever been talking with someone about the grace offered through the cross of Jesus Christ and had them say, “Yes, but...”? This is exactly what happened to the Apostles while they were preaching the New Covenant of forgiveness and restoration through the cross and the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The interesting fact is that this group of “Yes, but-ers” were believers. They had heard all the things that God had been doing for Paul and the others. They had heard of Jesus’ death and resurrection and the miracles that followed His apostles. They knew that He [Christ] had finished His work on the cross and yet they still wanted to add their works to it.
This is human nature. There is a desire in us to do things and to be justified by doing things. This is what makes the finished work of Jesus Christ and faith in that work so radical to the rest of the world. It is so anti-human nature to believe that everything has been done that even devout Christians can fall victim to this gotta-do mentality.
God’s desire is not for us to keep His laws with an attitude that we have to work to be justified. It is faith in His keeping of the law that justifies us (Romans 5:1). Under the Old Covenant we were required to keep the law in order to be justified. But we were incapable of keeping the laws. We have all broken them all, either in a literal sense or spiritually. Christ came to redeem us from the curse of keeping the law. He came to justify us in His perfection.
Under the New Covenant, through the finished work of Jesus Christ, God puts His laws in our hearts and minds (Hebrews 10:16, Jeremiah 31:33). He has taken away the burden of having to carry them around, written on big rocks as a continual reminder of how much we must do. Instead, He has put them in our hearts. Keeping the law as a Christian is simple as having a heartbeat, because it is not you who is keeping the law, but Christ who lives within you (Galatians 2:20).
When you accept Christ into your heart you are accepting everything about Him into your body and your soul. You inherit, through grace, His perfection, health, holiness, prosperity, and peace. When you accept Christ you no longer have to work to be complete; you are completed! His finished work becomes a finished work in you.
So, next time you’re sharing the gospel of grace through the finished work of Jesus Christ and hear, “Yes, but...” ask this question: “Are you saying your ‘but’ is greater than my Jesus?”
But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”
Have you ever been talking with someone about the grace offered through the cross of Jesus Christ and had them say, “Yes, but...”? This is exactly what happened to the Apostles while they were preaching the New Covenant of forgiveness and restoration through the cross and the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The interesting fact is that this group of “Yes, but-ers” were believers. They had heard all the things that God had been doing for Paul and the others. They had heard of Jesus’ death and resurrection and the miracles that followed His apostles. They knew that He [Christ] had finished His work on the cross and yet they still wanted to add their works to it.
This is human nature. There is a desire in us to do things and to be justified by doing things. This is what makes the finished work of Jesus Christ and faith in that work so radical to the rest of the world. It is so anti-human nature to believe that everything has been done that even devout Christians can fall victim to this gotta-do mentality.
God’s desire is not for us to keep His laws with an attitude that we have to work to be justified. It is faith in His keeping of the law that justifies us (Romans 5:1). Under the Old Covenant we were required to keep the law in order to be justified. But we were incapable of keeping the laws. We have all broken them all, either in a literal sense or spiritually. Christ came to redeem us from the curse of keeping the law. He came to justify us in His perfection.
Under the New Covenant, through the finished work of Jesus Christ, God puts His laws in our hearts and minds (Hebrews 10:16, Jeremiah 31:33). He has taken away the burden of having to carry them around, written on big rocks as a continual reminder of how much we must do. Instead, He has put them in our hearts. Keeping the law as a Christian is simple as having a heartbeat, because it is not you who is keeping the law, but Christ who lives within you (Galatians 2:20).
When you accept Christ into your heart you are accepting everything about Him into your body and your soul. You inherit, through grace, His perfection, health, holiness, prosperity, and peace. When you accept Christ you no longer have to work to be complete; you are completed! His finished work becomes a finished work in you.
So, next time you’re sharing the gospel of grace through the finished work of Jesus Christ and hear, “Yes, but...” ask this question: “Are you saying your ‘but’ is greater than my Jesus?”
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