(Live In The Reality Of Your Right-Standing In Christ)
TO THE BIBLE: Ephesians 1:5-6
“…According to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”
LET’S TALK
“Tania, why are you sitting all by yourself, looking forlorn?” Elaine asked as she walked in on Tania in an empty classroom.
“I just feel like I’m not doing enough to please God; I’m not sure He accepts me for me,” Tania replied dejectedly.
“No Tania, I know you think that God doesn’t accept you, but He actually has!” Elaine exclaimed. “The Bible tells us that we’re accepted in Christ Jesus the Beloved; this means we’re not justified by the things we do for the Lord or condemned by things we don’t do.”
Many young people, like Tania, think that God will accept them on the basis of their good works. But your good works aren’t enough to give you right standing with God.
The Bible says, “…By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Furthermore, Galatians 2:16 ESV says, “…We know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ…by works of the law no one will be justified.”
The struggle to live right and to please God so you’ll be accepted by Him is unnecessary. Why would you try so hard to get on His “good graces,” struggling to be accepted by Him, when the Spirit already calls us “…accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6)? You’ve been accepted and declared righteous before God.
God chose you before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame before Him in love, and He predestined you to be accepted in His presence (Ephesians 1:4-6).
Because of His righteousness in your spirit, you can stand boldly in the presence of God without guilt, inferiority, or condemnation. In Christ, you have right standing before God. Hallelujah!
Now that you’re born again, you dwell in God’s presence, and you’re at liberty to serve Him as He desires.
Christianity, for you, should be an everyday experience of divine fellowship. Accept these truths and live to please Him accordingly.
Go Deeper
Romans 8:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-10;
Pray:
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for your love, grace, and righteousness at work in me. Thank you for choosing me to be holy and without blame before you in love. I walk in wisdom today, fulfilling your good pleasure and producing works of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Acts 17:1-15, Job 3–5
TWO YEAR
Luke 6:31-38, Deuteronomy 32
Act:
Speak in other tongues and thank God for this life that you live in Christ – a life free from sin and condemnation.