In
Christ, we see our self as God's own possession (Titus 2:14), members of God's
household (Ephesians 2:19), sons of God (Galatians 3:26), children of God (1
John 3:1-2, 10; John 1:12), people of God (1 Peter 2:10), and citizens of Heaven
(Philippians 3:20).
When
we come to Jesus for forgiveness of our sins, we are no longer slaves to sin,
we exchange the spirit of error for the spirit of truth, and the spirit of the
world for the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:12-15). We turn from a carnal
mindset to a spiritual one (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Since
we are adopted children of God (Ephesians 2:2-3; Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:6,
5:12), we go from spiritual death to eternal spiritual life in Christ (John
11:25, 14:6; 1 John 3:14). God exchanges our carnal nature with the divine
nature of Christ (1 John 5:19; Acts 26:18; 2 Peter 1:4; Galatians 2:20).
We
are all called out of darkness, but it is our choice to respond (John 1:4; Acts
26:18; Colossians 1:12-13; 2 Peter 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:5; Ephesians 5:8).
Christ is our whole life (Colossians 3:3-4). We look forward to serving Him now
and in immortality for eternity (1 Timothy 6:16; 2 Timothy 1:10).
Jesus
makes us a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6), and gives us free
access into the Holy of Holies where God dwells (Hebrews 10:19). We are sinners
turned Saints, with all the privileges of His adopted children (Romans 5:19,
8:27; Ephesians 1:18, 4:12).
Everything
in our life and our inner identity is new (Ezekiel 36:26; Romans 6:4; 2
Corinthians 4:16, 5:17). We have a heart of flesh now, rather than a heart of
stone (Ephesians 3:17). We will serve in union with the Holy One of Israel for
eternity (1 Peter 2:9, Romans 5:17; Acts 3:14, 1 John 2:1).
Prayer:
Father
God, thank You for writing Your laws on our heart (Hebrews 8:10, 10:16),
reconciling us to Yourself (Romans 5:10-11), and helping us to walk in Your
ways (Romans 5:6; 2 Peter 2:9). You dwell in us (John 14:23; 1 John 4:15-16),
and we benefit from the divine nature of Christ in us (2 Peter 1:4; Hebrews
3:14; Hebrews 6:4).
Remind
us that it is no longer we who live, but Christ who abides within us by Your
Spirit (Galatians 2:20). He is our only hope of fulfillment in this life and
the next (Colossians 1:27). We know that we are Yours because of Your Spirit
within us (2 Timothy 1:14; 2 Corinthians 1:22, 13:5). You are our Daddy God
(Galatians 4:6), and we know that You care about us (1 Peter 5:7).
Thought
for the Day:
We
are sealed in Christ by the Holy Spirit, and follow His guidance each moment,
as we bask in His goodness, peace, joy and love all the days of our life.
- John 3:5-8, Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:13, 4:30;
2 Corinthians 1:22; Romans 8:14; Revelation 13:9; Psalm 34:8
