The longer I have been a believer in Jesus Christ the more I appreciate that I am saved by God’s grace through faith in the finished work of Christ. God saved me from sin, death, and hell through his Son. He redeemed us so that we would glorify his name through our changed lives (2 Cor. 5:15; Eph. 2:8-10). God is in the process of conforming every believer to the image of his Son (Rom.. 8:28-30). God’s Word urges all believers to live their lives, “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27). Scripture teaches that those who love God will obey his commands (1 John 5:3).
I love God (and so does every other born again believer). But, I still sin against God. So, what do I do? God knows that every born again believer will sin against him (1 John 1:7-10). For this reason, God instructs us how to respond when we sin against him (1 John 1:9; 2:1-2). Paul talked about the struggle that he had with sin, which indwelt him (Rom. 7:13-25). He finished his discussion of this struggle by pointing to the fact that Christ will rescue us from this dying body filled with sin (Rom. 7:24-25). This rescue and removal of our sin nature will occur when we stand in the presence of Christ. But, what about here and now? Romans 8:1-4 teaches, in Christ we are no longer condemned and have received new spiritual life through the Holy Spirit who indwells us. All our sins have been forgiven and we will stand blameless in God’s sight because we are in spiritual union with Christ (Eph. 1:3-10).
Furthermore, Christ has conquered the world (John 16:33; the world system, which is opposed to God; cf. 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Col. 2:14-15; Eph. 2:1-3; 6:10-17; Heb. 2:14-15). By faith in Christ, we share in his victory over the world (1 John 5:1-5). When an individual repents of his sin and turns to God by placing his faith in the gospel, the Holy Spirit places him into spiritual union with Jesus Christ and he receives all of the blessings of salvation. Here are a some of these blessings:
- forgiveness of sin
- reconciliation with God
- justification – credited with Christ’s righteousness
- new spiritual life
- the indwelling Holy Spirit
- victory over the world, sin, death, and hell
- Christ as Lord, rather than sin
The list could go on. Next time you are discouraged, look to God’s Word and be reminded – Christ is victorious! By repentance and faith in the gospel, we share in His victory (1 John 5:1-5). How amazing is that?! Encourage another believer with this biblical truth in the coming week.