Where Trust Starts

Many Christians live in a state of rebellion. No, not because of the habitual sins that they commit but because they do not fully trust that Jesus provides forgiveness of sins. They do not trust that His grace is sufficient. 

"Whatever is not of faith is sin." (Romans 14:23)

Our forgiveness, righteousness, and holiness are completely dependent on Jesus. His blood cleanses us from acts that lead to death (Hebrews 9:14), also know as "useless rituals" and self-righteousness. People want to believe God for "more", whatever that may be, but simply cannot because they have not accepted the forgiveness of sins. 

"The forgiveness of sins is not the doorway into Christianity. It is the foundation of Christianity." - Adolph Saphir

Jesus hates self-righteousness. Why? Because the righteousness, holiness, and purity are dependent on the individual and not on Jesus. In this belief, we trample on his sacrifice. Ultimately he hates the belief that causes people to not accept his love when they are at their worst, in the depths of their despair, at rock bottom. This belief is built on a foundation of self-righteousness. This thought causes its owner to rely on their own self for validation, strength, purity, forgiveness, and love. These cannot be gained through ourselves but only through Christ in us, providing grace and peace. 

Paul prays that we would understand the depth and greatness of Christ's love for us (Ephesians 3:14-19). He wants us to stretch our capacity and understanding of his love. But Paul doesn't start this letter with this prayer. He starts it with a reminder that we have the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God's grace (Ephesians 1:7). Notice that it says nothing about the forgiveness being earned or derived from anything that we are able to produce. 

Only Jesus. 

If you want to believe for more or stretch your capacity to continue to receive or believe greater things about Jesus, you must first fully embrace the forgiveness of sins. 

Jesus is Nice

I recently had to buy a new Bible because my dog found his way into my office and tore mine up. I was sad but happy because I like to buy new stuff. When you get new stuff you just want to use it, you know what I mean? Like I recently got a new car and I look for any excuse to drive it. So, I was excited to read my new Bible. 

So I read one of my favorite verses is found in 2 Timothy 1:7: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline." What an amazing statement. There is so much in this world that we should or could be afraid of and so many things to worry about. But Jesus decided that he would like to take care of us and, not only that, but that he would also empower us. These three things are knit together:

1. Power
2. Love
3. Self-Discipline

His power allows us to gracefully take control of our lives. We aren't afraid of random circumstances or making the incorrect decisions. His love gives us comfort and allows us to freely come to him whenever we need help. This leads us to self-discipline. We use his power and love to guide our lives in ways that help us and those around us. 

Jesus never stops giving. John 1:16 says, "Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given." This means that Jesus continually gives us new grace. His grace doesn't expire but He doesn't care. He will continue to pour new grace out to you. He isn't concerned about where you have come from or what you have done. He is mainly interested in loving you.