Last week could have been a bit of a downer, but when you look at it, it really is a good thing, who we are without Christ. Because knowing who you are without Christ gives you humility and helps you remember that you need God.
But now we get to look at the New Testament and what it says
about our identity in Christ.
Romans 8:16 and John 1:12 says that I am a
child of God. And that you are too. The verse in John says that all who believe
in Christ are the Children of God. I don’t know your story, but some of you who
read this have had a bad family life, an abusive or absent father, or likewise.
Well, there’s good news for you- the moment you became a Christ follower, God
became your dad. And let me tell you, he is the best dad there is. He will
never let you down (although sometimes is seems like he did), and he always, always, knows and does what is best for you. Period.
John 15:15 tells us that we are Christ’s
friend. And, you know, sometimes I could use one of those.
I moved recently, and let’s just say it’s been
hard to make new friends. And sometimes I just really need a friend and I
praise God that he is the best one around. He listens, he doesn’t judge, he
never forgets, he is never too busy, and he gives the best advice ever. And if
he ever seems too far away, don’t be discouraged, just seek and ye shall find.
The next verse (John 15:16) reveals that we
have been chosen and appointed by Christ to bear his fruit. That’s just a fancy
way of saying we’ve been chosen to live like him, but the meaning is clear. In
the Bible it also says you “know a tree by the fruit it bears”, and what it
means is this; you can tell who a person truly serves by his actions. (Check
out the Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:19-23)
Now, it may seem like a lot to try to live
like Christ- he lived a perfect life, after all- but Philippians 4:13 declares
that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Living like Christ
comes one step at a time.
Romans 3:24 proclaims that we have been
justified and redeemed. But not of our
own means, no, no, no. But by the grace of God.
Have you ever gotten up early in the morning
on gone for a walk while the rest of the world was still waking up? Or sat on the porch and watched the sunrise
with a hot drink and a prayer in your heart? Or maybe you’ve risen out of your
covers like a dead man come to life in the middle of the day after going to bed
at 2 and laying there until 4? At any
rate, there has probably been a time in your life where you’ve felt that you
were literally breathing in God’s grace.
The world so bright (possibly blindingly bright), the air so fresh, and
your body, heart, and soul so rested. Well, every day God’s grace is completely
new, and so are you. And you are redeemed.
Romans 5:1 tells us some of what the last
verse said- we have been justified, completely forgiven and made righteous, and
am at peace with God. Basically, this says that we have a clean slate- with God
and everyone. All my sins are off the
table- poof! Gone. Forever. Yes!
Hey you- yes you! Can you hear me? God does
not have a bone to pick with you- he doesn’t want to punish you or put you
down. You are at peace with God and he with you. He wants to build you up and love you and
teach you. Amazing, isn’t it?
Next- Romans Chapter 6- is full of Good News.
Verse seven declares that we have been freed from sins rule. We are free! I don’t
know about you but that word- free- makes my want to shout for joy. But then
again, this whole thing makes me want to celebrate- I’m not under sins rule! No
more lying, addictions, secrets, shame, greed, anger, any of that! Satan has no
hold over me. Isn’t that something worth celebrating? I think so.
Verse 18 and 22 tell us that we are slaves of
righteousness and slaves of God. I can hear what you’re thinking- being a slave
is not something to be glad about.
But you’re looking at it the wrong way- Sin was a horrible master, no freedom,
all punishment, all shame and manipulation with promises of riches, pleasures,
and happiness. And the slaves who actually get those things are brought down by
emptiness and aimlessness and are trapped by their riches or pleasures. But
God, oh he is a good master. He is
full of love, understanding, forgiveness, freedom, grace, and true joy. He
doesn’t promise the easy way, but he promises the fulfilling and purposeful
way. God bought us from sin with a price, his sons life, and we should be more
than happy to give our lives in service as a thank you.
After, Romans 8:1 says that we are forever free from condemnation. There isn’t a whole lot for me to say on this, just that I am overwhelmed with gratitude when faced with this. I am free from being condemned, I am no longer judged, I am clean. Verse 17 says that we are heirs of God and a co-heir with Christ- and our inheritance is the kingdom of God, everlasting life, never ending joy and peace, unfailing love, and so much more.
Romans 15:7 may hit home the most for me. It
says the Christ has accepted us. Plain and simple. Nothing we’ve done could’ve
made him do it- he simply did and it is the most amazing thing.
God, the creator of the universe, the maker of
everything, knows everything you’ve ever done or thought, and he accepts you.
You don’t need to care what others think- the most perfect being ever has accepted
you. In eternity, you get to sit at the ‘cool’
table. Nothing could be more precious or awesome.
What verse(s) meant the most to you? Let us know in the comments!!
Join us next week for part 3!!
Kate <3
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