“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
Are you “in Christ” today? Even as I ask you this question many will be moved by emotion and wonder…well am I??? I did do something wrong this week. I had a bad attitude or thought. Am I in Christ? Too many believers today are moved far too easily by the condemning thoughts and accusations of the enemy. John, the disciple who knew how loved he was by Jesus said, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” -1 John 5:13
You see, it is by simply receiving, trusting and believing in Jesus that one comes into the spear pierced side of Christ and renounces his own self… righteousness and received the “righteousness of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:21).
Chuck Swindoll tells a story of a seminary student in Chicago faced a forgiveness test. Although he preferred to work in some kind of ministry, the only job he could find was driving a bus on Chicago’s south side. One day a gang of tough teens got on board and refused to pay the fare. After a few days of this, the seminarian spotted a policeman on the corner, stopped the bus, and reported them. The officer made them pay, but then he got off. When the bus rounded a corner, the gang robbed the seminarian and beat him severely. He pressed charges and the gang was rounded up. They were found guilty.
But as soon as the jail sentence was given, the young Christian saw their spiritual need and felt pity for them. So he asked the judge if he could serve their sentences for them. The gang members and the judge were dumbfounded. “It’s because I forgive you,” he explained. His request was denied, but he visited the young men in jail and led several of them to faith in Christ.
Our Jesus has made a way for us to be fully forgiven and for a new reconciled walk with God to be enjoyed by us. May you enjoy all that God has for Him in a closer walk with Him.
By His Spirit,
Pastor Bill