Behold the Salvation of the Lord

The principle condition that afflicts man is not scarce resources, wars, pestilence or even indifference. The principle challenge of man is sin. Psychologists, sociologists, scholars and theologians have grappled with this question through the ages. Faith traditions, belief systems and philosophies have tried to address this problem. Self-improvement courses, drugs, alcohol, money, sex and other forms of entertainment divert us for a time from dealing but it does not change our permanent state of being.

I have faith that Jesus put on sinful human flesh, that he walked out his life without a mistake or sin and that he lived an overcoming life, an obedient life, a victorious life. Having done so, qualified him to become sin for me and all of humanity who believe that he is able to reconcile them to God. So, he volunteered for the cross, where he gave up his peace, the joy of communion with his father and indeed his very life, so that we who believe will acquire his peace, his joy and though the Holy Spirit we have access to his victorious life.

Not only does he save us from our sins in the past but in the very same way we could not save ourselves through any amount of effort of our own, we cannot live out our lives in a righteous manner now without the Holy Spirit giving us the mind of Christ who will walk it out for us. When we step in and take control and sin again (before he fully places his character within us) he covers us in just the same way he covered our past sins. What a promise! He does it from start to finish or as Paul wrote to the Philippians, He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Some will be concerned that if we have no role in salvation, if staying in belief is all that's required, then won't some take license; isn't it an invitation to get over on Jesus? Frankly, isn't that what anyone who is saved is doing? Aren't we all getting over? My prayer is for those who hold back for this reasoning, especially if they're teaching others to do the same.

The Psalmist declares,

The Lord is high above all the nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.

Nothing is required to receive his grace but belief! No works, no confession or repentance, just belief. The fullness of God's salvation cannot be comprehended nor sufficiently appreciated. He has liberated us from the bondage of sin and death. God's righteous ten commandments law of love convicts us as sinners, belief in Jesus sets us free - not to sin but from the law's penalty. Having the mind of Christ transforms our characters to the point where we observe the law as a natural consequence of a relationship with God without even being aware of our compliance.

God's salvation may not change your temporal circumstances but now they are placed in perspective. After all, when you're in the presence of a Holy God, what meaning do your circumstances have? That's not to minimize what a given person may be dealing with but it is to place those issues in the proper context. David said "O, taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Won't you try Jesus?