But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) —Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT)
Once I was poor, but God was rich in His mercy. The judgment for my sin was death, but Jesus loved me so much, He paid the price of my punishment. Jesus gave His life on Calvary and imparted His righteousness to me. When God raised Jesus from the dead, He breathed His Resurrected life into me. It is only by God's Grace that I have a new life—and not by anything I have done.
The Grace of Jesus is the only reason I am free from the prison of my old life. I am free of condemnation—of guilt and shame—of punishment because Jesus chose not to be free. He chose my sin and death for my freedom. He paid the price I had no way to pay. Because of His abundant mercy and marvelous Grace, I am free.
Many Christians view a relationship with Jesus as one that struggles to win His acceptance. They believe that there is something they must do to appease God, when, in fact, Jesus has already paid the price. They see a relationship with Jesus as very restricting when the exact opposite is true. It is liberating and fulfilling. When you invite Him into your heart, He lives in you—what was once poor in your life becomes rich because of His Grace.
The enemy is quick to remind you of your failures. He sends you on a horrendous mind journey complete with things you must do to win God’s love again. You have not lost the love of God! The Grace of Jesus has opened the way into God’s presence. You don’t have to hide in shame or work your way to God. You are free to just run to Him.
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,” Jesus said, “for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (Matthew 5:3, NLT). You were “poor” enough to realize your need for a Savior when you gave your heart to Him. You understood that you could never pay such a price for your sin. So what do you realize now? Are you aware that the Kingdom of Heaven and all of its resources are now yours? When you said "yes" to Jesus, your prison wall came tumbling down. Where once you were poor in sin, you are now rich in His mercy. You are free.
© 2019 Lynn Lacher
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