So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

(John 19:30 NKJV)

The phone sat silent. Nothing in my inbox either. God called me to speak, so where are the invitations? Like many things in life, I had to work for it.  I had to send the first email as I made the decision to work with a speaking coach. Then, one by one, invitations began trickling in. I had to obtain it after I learned the secrets of a good message.

You have probably worked to obtain something too. A promotion at your job or college degree. We obtain the knowledge and skills to do what we do so we can do it well.

But there’s one thing I don’t have to work for, and neither do you my friend. God’s favor!  We already have it. It was sealed with the sweet blood of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross. When Jesus spoke one of His final words, “It is finished.”

In the Greek, it is one word, Tetelestai. I can still hear Pastor Art’s deep voice billowing this funny sounding word from the pulpit. Then he gave us the definition, “paid in full.”

Each of us owe a debt that we can never pay, a sin debt, but Jesus paid it all for us. Our sins are forgiven and He removed them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103: 12).

We don’t have to obtain God’s favor. We could never do it if we tried. We can’t work for it. We can’t buy it. God freely gives it to us through the blood of Jesus Christ.

When God saves us, He justifies us. It is a legal term that means it’s just as if I’d never sinned. But God doesn’t stop there. Here’s the beautiful part, another big word, sanctification. What do I have to do to be sanctified? Absolutely nothing! It’s a work of God.

Sanctification begins at salvation. It is a process including all those struggles we deal with, all the tears we cry, and all those moments of weakness. That’s sanctification. God molds us to be more like Christ. That’s why we endure so many trials.

Finally, the last step is glorification. No, we won’t have to do anything there either. The moment we enter heaven’s gates, God will instantly give us our glorified bodies. We won’t have to live in sinful flesh any longer. No more trials and no more tears.

During this Easter season, thank the Lord for all He has done for you. For everything, you’ve never had to accomplish on your own. Aren’t you glad because my friend, we were incapable of doing it ourselves? Praise the Lord! We have God’s favor. It is finished.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your sweet love and Your favor that I could never obtain on my own. In Jesus’ name. Amen

DIG DEEPER

Read Isaiah 1:18 NKJV:

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.”

HIKING THE TRAIL

If you know without a doubt that you’ve been saved, don’t allow the devil to steal your joy by bringing up what’s already under the blood.

RELATED RESOURCE

Do you love dogs and devotionals? Then you will love the Guide Dog Tales series, stories about my guide dog, Iva and God, with pictures of Iva. Buy both and save now!!

https://amountainoffaith.com/product/guide-dog-tails-bundle/

Originally posted on March 29, 2021 @ 3:00 am