II Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

We recently celebrated Easter and during this time we really hone in on the sacrifice that was made on our behalf, and once Easter comes to an end we usually go on to a different topic.  I think that the sacrifice of Jesus is the most important reference in the Bible.  I say this boldly because without it we would be lost in sin, not knowing which way to turn.  I was thinking about the price that was paid and it continuously astounds me that God loves us so much.

Let’s think about, God took his only Son and poured His wrath upon Him so that we would be set free.  On the cross Jesus not only took our sins but He became sin itself.  He became the only thing that God hates.  He went from being the purest person on the entire earth to being the exact opposite of that.  Now that’s grace my friend, and without it we are nothing.

We have to watch as believers how we view our relationship with God.  Many people view it in many different ways.  Until recently I viewed my relationship with God as one that was pretty much based on trying to please Him through my actions.  I just recently realized this and it was the biggest weight lifted off my shoulders when God told me that He is already pleased with me and there is nothing I can do to change His mind.  God is not mad at anybody; remember His wrath was poured out on His only Son on the cross.  If God was mad at you that would be like saying His first sacrifice (Jesus) was not good enough.

But this is a revelation that we have to not only get but receive.  When we think about the devil and his tricks we always think about some sinful temptation.  We never think that He might try and use the Holy Scriptures to confound us and keep us in bondage.  Many of us are still living according to the ways of the Law of Moses and not even knowing it.  The Law will tell us that we have to do something to please God.  The Law tells us that God can sometimes be mad at us and put us through various trials such as sickness and disease to mature us as Christians.  The Law tells us that we’re not good enough until we do something that is good enough for God.

If we rightly divide the Word of God we will understand that first and foremost the Law is Holy, and given by God.  We will also know that there is a new covenant and that no man but Jesus could have fulfilled the Law of Moses and we are to live according to the new and not the old.

Romans 6:14 (NKJV)
For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Acts 13:38-39 (NKJV)
“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; “and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things you could not be justified by the Law of Moses.

The above scriptures let me know that I am justified because I believe I am and that there is nothing I can do to earn extra brownie points with God because He has more points to give that I can imagine.  God loves you for you and not what it is that you do or don’t do.  Sounds a little too good to be true, but it is indeed so.  Once we renew our minds to this truth freedom will reign in your life and you won’t feel like you are living in bondage by being a follower of Christ.  I pray that this has blessed you in some form or fashion and if you know someone who is on your heart that might also be blessed by this, please feel free to share.

Daryle Houston II
Kingdom Vizion Ministries