We love to quote this scripture, ''There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" In other words, whatever we do is okay.
No it is not! The grace of Yeshua is not a licence to continue in sin.
Yes we are under grace not law. Our faith is not based on works but grace - a gift of God. Because of that grace we should no longer live in the pattern of our old life.
A woman was caught in the act of adultery and she was brought to Jesus for judgement. She was not sentenced to death as per the law, she received the grace of Christ. She was not condemned for her sin, but was shown mercy. Nevertheless she was told to go and sin no more.
And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:11 NKJV
Jesus expected her just as he does us, once forgiven and saved, sin no more.
A man who was in bondage to an infirmity for 36 years was shown mercy and healed by Jesus. He told him " “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” John 5:14 NKJV
The grace of Yahweh is not an excuse to continue in sin, believing that asking for forgiveness every time makes it okay. It is not for if we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgement (Hebrews 10:26).
Grace is the licence to kill sin in your life.
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me...I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12, 14 NKJV
Christ laid hold of salvation for us. The upward call of God is a relationship with Him, restoring that which was lost in the garden of Eden.
You have to press on, growing in maturity, being more and more Christlike to make it to Heaven. The way, the right, the access has already been cleared by the finished work on the Cross of Calvary.
It's an upward call. Looking unto Heaven and things of the Kingdom. Not a world call - looking at the here and now. But an upward call, being mindful of the things of the Spirit and of the Kingdom of God.
We forget what we have done or attained in the past, but look forward to those things ahead. Our holiness yesterday can not prevent us from falling into error tomorrow. We must not boast of our righteousness of today but press on to that of tomorrow.
If you did not sin yesterday, glory. Forget yesterday. Focus on not committing sin today. Continue to press forward towards the goal. You can do it through a life sold out to Jesus.
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“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4, 6-7 NKJV
Life can throw us some hard punches even as a son of Elohim. I have learnt that truly trusting in my God, requires a deliberateness about trusting Him. As long as you walk in Christ, it becomes easier to rejoice in Him always. When I realized my life was a gift from Him, I got to that place where in everything by prayer and supplication, I make my request to Him. I trust in His perfect will for my life. No worries.
Peace as a result of material things or people around us is fleeting. But the peace in our soul when we know who is in charge in our life is priceless. A peace that is not dependent on our circumstances but on faith in Jesus. It takes putting Jesus first in every area of my life.
How about you? Are you still carrying the load of life on your back? Aren't you tired yet? Come to Jesus all you that are heavy laden and He will give you rest.
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“So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.”
Genesis 16:2 NKJV
Isn't it interesting that when we want to do something we know is not right, we conveniently blame God for our problems. To justify her actions, Sarah told Abram God has prevented her from having children. It was thereby justifiable to seek an alternative. Despite God's promise to Abram he accepted. For a man who was quick to make sacrifices there was none recorded that he did between the ages of 85 and 99 years. God himself was quiet. I wonder why? Lack of trust in the word of God leads to a barrier in our relationship with Him.
Waiting might be difficult, but going out of the will of God will bring difficulties into your life.
Are you about to give up in God's promise concerning your situation. Don't! He is never late. Taking that step out of faith will destroy many lives and generations to come.
Those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength. Or those who waits on the Lord shall fly with wings like an eagle.
