A false sense
of separation between a saved person and God thwarts our spiritual growth. In
truth, there is no chasm at all. Jesus closed the gap between God and man by
his sacrifice and resurrection. The saved are in Christ and He is in us (Galatians
2:20; Colossians 3:3).
The righteous shall inherit peace as we pursue unity with Christ who lives in
us. He is both our Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36; 2 Peter
1:11; 3:2,18; Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3). He reigns in power and majesty (Romans
1:4). Knowing Jesus, will
give us eternal life. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge (John 17:3; 11:25, 14:6, 1 John 5: 12-13;
Colossians 2:3).
The one, who
dies in the righteousness of Christ, has no sin accounted against him/her.
There is no iniquity found in them or charged against them. Jesus submitted to
the power of the devil and death to pay the price for the consequences of our
sins (Hebrews 2:14; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23; Genesis 2:17); however, He came forth from the grave
having proven that He is victor over both (John 19:30; Acts
2:24). Now Jesus provides
this same resurrection life to anyone who repents of their sins and submits to
His Lordship in their life (John 11:25; 1 Peter 1:3; Romans 5:10).
Conversely,
having been deceived by demonic spirits who are fallen angels, the lost and
dying world around us refuse to believe in the name of the Lord. They deny Him
continually. Although many realize their lost condition every day of their
life, they ignore God’s call. They refuse to submit to Christ, because they
fear losing their personal freedoms, rights and control over their own destiny.
Sadly, eternal judgment will come upon them, because they denied the Lord and
found their confidence in their carnal revelries instead. Their pride causes
them to believe that they are gods. Only humility and surrender to Christ will
change this situation.
Jesus
sacrificed Himself and He lives within us so that we might become His extension
during our lifetime. Together we accomplish great things for His Kingdom (John
14:12). We are complete
in Him (Colossians 2:10). By His presence in us, we are the
expression of His divine life and character. He gives us His victory that
overcomes this world’s trials and temptations (1 John 5:4). We are slaves of righteousness and
unstoppable victors because He lives within us (Romans
6:16-19, 8:37). He is our
Lord, and we obey His direction each moment of our day (Luke
6:46; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20; 7:23; Romans 14:7).
When someone
persecutes us, Jesus takes it personally (Acts 9:5). He will take vengeance on our behalf
(Hebrews
10:30; Jeremiah 51:6). Jesus
thinks of us as an extension of Himself. He is the vine; we are His branches.
We are His expression in the earth all throughout our daily experiences. We
take off the garment of sin and put on Christ as our cloak of righteousness (Galatians
3:27). He will come again
to gather us to Himself for eternity (2 Corinthians
3:17-18). Whatever we do
for the least of our brethren, we actually do it for the Lord (Matt
25:40). We are a new
creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Prayer:
Father God,
You are everything to us. We want only what You want in our life and in the
world. Help us to sanctify Christ as Lord of our life (1
Peter 3:15; 1 Corinthians 1:30)
until we are conformed to His image. Listen to Jesus as He makes intercession
for us (Hebrews
7:25). Remind us that
there is more to our walk with You than our initial salvation. You also want to
perfect us and use us for Your glory.
Thought for
the Day:
Many people
attend church because they are terrified of the fires of hell, they enjoy the
fellowship of Christians, or they want to impress someone or meet clients for their
business. What is your motive?
