May 30th

I read about a person who believed that what Jesus did on the cross was like the filling of our heavenly bank account. When the man described salvation, he said: "It's like a heavenly bank account. As long as I make more deposits than withdrawals, I'm in good shape."  What he failed to realize is that Jesus died because even the best of us is born spiritually bankrupt, and what we needed was for him to open a new account that is always and forever “paid in full.” 

Here is the thing... The new account Jesus opened for us is not one that we can make deposits or withdrawals.  The account that Jesus opened for us is unlike any other account that you ever had before, for although you cannot make deposits or withdrawals, you have received, are receiving, and will continue to receive all the benefits of this new account.  When Jesus was on the cross dying for sins, sins we are all guilty of, He cried out: “It is finished!” (John 19:30); what He meant by that statement was simply this: All that was, is, and ever will be needed for our salvation, redemption, and eventual glorification was paid in full.  

If you are a Christian today, you are living off the interest of the account Jesus purchased on your behalf.  If you are a Christian today, you are living off the benefits of the inheritance that is now yours.  The reality that is now yours is Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  The reason that is so, is found in Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”

There is a day coming when we will all stand before God to be judged; according to Jesus, most will meet Him as judge while the Christian will stand before Him as their “Father” (see 1 Cor. 3:10-15).  On that day, your judgement will not be based on your GPA, resumé, or skill level, but on what was purchased on your behalf by Jesus. However, the reason Jesus redeemed you was, is, and always will be for good works: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Eph. 2:10).  When the apostle Paul contemplated his impending death, he said: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith...” and then added, “...in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7-8).  

Christian, on the day you stand before God, your account will remain “paid in full” because of everything Jesus accomplished on the cross, however, you will be judged on what you did with the salvation you freely received.  When you stand before Jesus one day, you will not hear: “Great GPA,” “Impressive resumé,” or “I can use a person of your skill level.”  You will either hear: “I never knew you; leave Me you who practice lawlessness” (Matt. 7:23); Or you will hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant... enter the joy of your master” (Matt. 25:23). 

My question for you is this: “How are you living today in light of your present reality?”

Grace,

Pastor Keith