The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:17 NKJV)
Justification is a one-time act of God’s amazing grace pronounced on the life of the believer. Sadly, many suppose that is the end of the importance of our justification. Not true! Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans that justification is indeed a one-time act of God’s grace, but it is to be followed by a lifetime of action.
Here is the simplest way to look at it: Having been declared righteous in the high court of heaven—not on the basis of any work we have done, but solely on the basis of the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ—we have been reconciled with God and enjoy a new position in life. That new position comes under many headings. Here are just a few:
- Blessed
- Adopted
- Accepted
- Forgiven
- Redeemed
- Loved
We have received this new position by grace through faith; new practices must follow. We are to live out practically what we are positionally. Our belief is to be worked out through our behaviors. A lifetime of action must flow from the fact of our justification, because the grace that saved us is the same grace that is sanctifying us all the way into glory.
The key that unlocks the door leading to a lifetime of action that glorifies God and blesses others is the belief that we are who God says we are. When we believe deep down in our hearts that we are adopted, accepted, blessed, forgiven, loved, and redeemed in the one-time act of our Lord Jesus Christ, our lives will begin to reflect that belief in new behaviors.
So let me ask you: How are you doing at living out practically what God says you are positionally? If the answer is something less than you would like it to be, that is simply because you have not yet fully embraced the fact that you have been . . .
Blessed with every spiritual blessing
Adopted into God’s family of faith
Accepted in the Beloved
Forgiven by His grace
Redeemed by His blood
and
Loved with His everlasting love!
Let me encourage you to marinate in this truth today and see if it does not begin to set you free to live out practically (even though it will be imperfectly) what you are positionally.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 