Christianity is the only religion that does not depend on our own works to bring us blessings in body, soul, and spirit. Every other religion demands personal striving and good works. For the authentic Born Again Believer, salvation is not procured by our works of holiness and dedication, because by God’s mercy He saved, sanctifies, and directs us (Romans 2:8-9).
Our works are simply evidence of our faith and the result of God’s work in us (James 2:14-26; Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 3:23-24). He is our Emmanuel – our God who came from Heaven to earth to pay the penalty for our human iniquity. We have nothing to earn, but every good work to give back to Him.
Once we admit that we are sinners, and look to Him for our redemption and holiness, He gives us the desire and the ability to walk in His ways (Philippians 2:12-13). God’s faithful mercy is new every single morning and available to everyone who dares to believe in the truth of God’s Word (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Each year, the Christmas story and carols affirm the truth of our source of salvation (Genesis 11:5). Even those who attempt to suppress the truth of this season, sing these carols with gusto, not believing the words they are singing, but being drawn through them by God’s Spirit to come to His truth (Micah 5:2; Romans 1:18; John 3:16-18).
Those who choose not to believe in God and in Jesus’ atonement are emaciated because their spirit is still dead in sin, but they are craving the ultimate freedom that only belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior provides (Romans 8:10-13; John 3:18, 8:31-36). As Ambassadors for Christ, we are given the privilege and calling to reconcile others to God (2 Corinthians 5:20-221).
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for coming in human form (Matthew 17:2) to experience all that we endure on this earth, and for showing that it is possible to live without sin in our life because of Christ’s abiding presence within us (Philippians 2:7). His humility throughout His life (Philippians 2:8), and His detachment from this world are an example to us (John 13:4-5; Luke 9:58; Mark 10:45), even to His sacrifice of Himself for us on Calvary’s cross (Mark 10:45).
Although we are not perfect, and sometimes, we fail to live according to Your standards, You love us completely and unconditionally (Romans 5:8). You reconcile us to Yourself and redeem us from a sinful life (Matthew 1:21; Colossians 1:20). Thank You that Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension was Your plan to bring us to an eternity with You (1 Peter 3:18). We look forward to spending our immortal life in Your physical presence.
Thoughts for the Day:
The heavens are glad, and the earth rejoices; even the trees sing for joy because of Christ’s coming and the anticipated revelation of the sons of God. We pray that God will hasten His arrival, so we and all of creation can enjoy eternity in His presence and abide together with Him in His new heaven and new earth.
-Romans 8:19; Philippians 2:7-8; Psalm 96:11-13; Revelation 21:1-3
