In the cross and in the resurrection, God wins. God has won the war, though the battles continue. He has sent his grace, his unstoppable intent to pour out mercy and kindness, to the human race like food flowing into famine and water into parched mouths.
When Jesus died on the cross, the clash between the political powers of earth and the dark power of the demonic and the brilliant power of God came to a decisive climax. The light went out for three hours, the body of the author of life slumped against the rough wood. Perhaps Satan laughed, then cowered. The curtain of the temple was torn open as a sign, as if this High Priest had stepped up to the Holy of Holies, the presence of God, and ripped open an entryway that would forever make a relationship with God only as far away as the words “I believe. I do believe.”
But God is also continuing to save us. The battles still rage on, though the outcome is certain. Writing from prison, the apostle Paul said, “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” and then, to make sure that people with broken legs didn’t try to run too soon, added, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Phil. 2:12-13; italics mine). He also wrote, “The message of the cross if foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor.1:18; italics mine). The process of salvation is God’s faithful, constant work of educating us and shaping us and cleansing us: “I will save you from all your uncleanness” (Ezek.36:29). That means that the wisest person is the one who says, “I am unclean, I can’t get the dirt off, I can’t heal myself. God, please do what only you can.”
Excerpt from Putting the Pieces Back Together: How Real Life and Real Faith Connect. Complimentary DVD available now.
Sometimes it seems that a truth has been stated so well that it is hard to add anything except, Amen
Amen to that
I believe it is a day to day, minute by minute, even second by second process.
I believe that the moment you really accept Christ as “personal Lord & Savior” that at that very moment & space & time you are completely saved once & for all. What is a life’s process is our “spiritual growth” & not our salvation because the “work of salvaltion” was thoroughly & completely executed (accomplished) by Christ himself!
The war against the “kingdom of darknes” is won for each newcomer to Christ but the battles with each new day continue to rage even though the decisive battle was won by Jesus 2000 years ago. It’s very hard, sometimes, to want to continue to “fight the good fight” against the devil & his legions but the only way that we can continue to do so is by keeping our eyes, fixed, on the person of Jesus. Amen!
On the Cross Jesus said “It is finished”. We can now go humbly yet boldly to God’s throne of grace and have direct access to the Father. Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness, even unto death on the Cross. The battles we face today test us and train us to rule and reign with Christ for eternity. Again, thank you Jesus. No one would or could have done that for mankind except you. What a gift!!!
Awesome
i am clean now.thank you father!