One of the biggest hindrances to being a child of God and living in freedom is religion. Religion is man’s efforts to reach God. Religion looks like a relationship with God because it talks a lot about God but religion teaches us that the way to God is by rules and laws. Religion says we have to learn to please and appease God.
Religion is very uncomfortable with grace because it feels like cheating, getting something for nothing. Even if someone can agree that salvation is by grace alone, religion teaches that they will be a better Christian if they read their Bible and pray. Being a better Christian means God may love you more and be more favourable towards you.
At this moment, before we become even further enmeshed in the trappings of religion, we need to call a halt and with a loud STOP declare again some truth, the truth that sets us free:
- I am a child of God
- I am saved by grace
- I am forgiven of all my sins
- I am born of incorruptible seed
- I am the apple of my Father’s eye
- I am redeemed by the blood
- I am a new creation
- I am beloved of God
- I am free from condemnation
- I am being prepared for greater things in the days ahead
- I am part of the royal priesthood
- I am redeemed from the curse of the law
- I am an ambassador of Christ
(All these truths have been dealt with in greater detail in previous blogs.)
Let us establish again – nothing we do or don’t do will improve our standing with God. All Christ’s righteousness was transferred to us when we asked him to forgive our sins and become Lord of our lives. ‘I am the righteousness of God ‘ (II Cor 5:21) and ‘his divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.’ (II Peter 1:3)
Every day take hold of what you need for this day by inviting the Holy Spirit to become the centre of your life and be Lord over all you do at work, at home, at school, at leisure, at the shops, at church, with your friends.
Stop trying to please God; you please him already.
Stop trying to earn his favour; you have it already.
Stop trying to gain his attention; his gaze is fully fixed on you already.
He loves you, accepts you, approves of you. Relax.
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