Paul explains that on the cross,
a transaction occurred. He says:
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians
5:21
This transaction that occurred consisted of sinless Jesus taking
all our sin in His body on the cross, and then giving to sinful
man all His perfect righteousness. When God looks at a Christian,
he no longer sees the offensive contamination of sin, but sees all
the perfect righteousness of Christ given to him.
So we must ask ourselves, How should I respond to such an incredible
gift? Is this gift given to every person in the world? Is everyone
going to be saved because of the fantastic gift Jesus provided for
us?
The apostle John tells us who will be given this free gift:
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" - John
1:12
Those who receive Jesus Christ into their lives by personal invitation,
believing in Him and what He accomplished for them, are given the
right to be children of God.
Similarly, the Apostle Paul states: "For by grace are ye saved through
faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not
by works lest any man should boast." -Ephesians 2:8
This wonderful gift of forgiveness is something we are freely given
when we put our faith in Jesus alone to pay for our sin and to be
the Lord of our lives.
In previous sections we noted from the Apostle Paul that our continual
disobedience to God's Laws and Ordinances has merited condemnation
in God's sight. He said that the Law of God was actually given so
that we could see how far we fall short of God's standard of righteousness
(Romans 3:1-20). Paul goes on in the very next verse to explain this
incredible gift of God and how we obtain it:
"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being
witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God
which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them
that believe: For there is no difference: for all have sinned, and
come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" - Romans 3:21-23
The Law and the Prophets testify to us that God is going to do something
fantastic! They tell us that the perfect righteousness of God will
be given to us as a free gift, apart from our obedience to His laws
and ordinances. God will give this perfect righteousness to those
who put their faith in Jesus to save them from the terrible penalty
of their own sin!
Do you recognize this need for God's mercy? If so, you can be so
encouraged to know that our loving God will abundantly supply your
need!!
And God who is rich in mercy will give it to you the moment you
come to Him empty handed, recognizing your total unworthiness and
inability to earn God's approval!! He gave everything for you when
He sent His beloved Son to the cross. Now He asks you to believe
in His Son, to make this free gift yours!!
So I invite you, encourage you, even challenge you, to put behind
you any notion that the good things you may have done, or the laws
and ordinances you may be observing are going to earn you a place
in His kingdom. God loves you and wants to see you as PERFECT!!
It's not a perfection that comes by observing laws and ordinances,
but is the perfection of Jesus given to you as a free gift! It is
received when you believe that Jesus can and will forgive all your
sin and will bring you into His Kingdom to be with Him forever.
Trust your life to Him and let Him share with you all the inheritance
of the King that will be yours forever!
Paul leaves us with these powerfully enticing words:
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39
God calls us to respond by
receiving His Son Jesus as His free gift to us. When we come to
God with a repentant heart and place our faith in Jesus, God forgives
all our sin, and credits us with His perfect righteousness.
Who would turn down a gift like this from God who truly has our
best interests at heart?
This gift is the provision of God's grace. He gives it not to
those who earn it or work for it, or try to become worthy of it.
He gives it to those who come humbly before God, empty handed
with nothing to offer but a plea for God to show mercy. They come
believing that only He is able to forgive their sin, and trust
that He will completely do so through Jesus.
Perhaps you have heard that you can be with the Lord forever only
if you combine God's grace with obedience to certain laws and
ordinances. If so, be aware that the Scriptures repeatedly impart
a warning. The Apostle Paul tells us:
"And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace
is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace:
otherwise work is no more work. " - Romans 11:6
"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come
by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." - Galatians 2:21
We would like to invite you to be a recipient of this gift from
God. God says to those who put their faith in Jesus:
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed,
ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Which is the
earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased
possession, unto the praise of his glory. " - Ephesians 1:13,14
When we believe, God sets us apart with His Holy Spirit which
becomes our deposit, guaranteeing our eternal inheritance as God's
children.
We believe, based on God's promises, that you have every advantage
to respond to this invitation right now. Paul said that "if God
is for us, who can be against us?" If you believe in your heart
the promises we have looked at in the Scriptures, we recommend
that you pray to God right now and ask Him to forgive all your
sin, to bring Jesus personally into your life by His Holy Spirit,
and trust all areas of your life to Him. Thank Him that Jesus
died on the cross for you and took the wrath of God in His body
for you so that when God looks at you, He sees all the righteousness
of Jesus. Believe that Jesus saves completely, and receive His
grace thankfully as a free gift
"if God be for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31
If this is something you have done, or if you want to but would
like more information, or even if you simply have questions about
the material presented, please contact us by filling out the survey
information on the next page. We hope this entire tour has been
a blessing and encouragement to you! We look forward to hearing
from you soon!
We truly wish God's best for you now and forever!
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