But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
—1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (KJV)
Jesus is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Let's unpack those "churchy-sounding" words. Righteousness is the ability to stand before God and be declared free from sin and guilt. Holiness is the character and nature that reflects the glory and sanctity of the Holy God. Redemption is the gift of freedom bought at great expense by Jesus' death and resurrection. You've probably heard that "Christians aren't perfect!" And yes, we are flawed, but because of Jesus' loving sacrifice for, in God's eyes, we're "holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation" (Colossians 1:22). That, dear friend of Jesus, is what we call amazing grace. So, our boast is not in our self-earned righteousness — we're not superior to others because we live for God — but our righteousness is because of God and his graciousness!
How can I thank you, wise and merciful Father, for the gift of Jesus? Your love in formulating the plan to send him as your sacrifice for my sins, having him become mortal, suffering agony when your own creations murdered him, is too wonderful for my mind to comprehend. But in my heart, I do know that you did these things because of your lovingly gracious and mercifully kind desire to reclaim my heart. I thank you and praise you forever, in Jesus' name. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Jesus is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Let's unpack those "churchy-sounding" words. Righteousness is the ability to stand before God and be declared free from sin and guilt. Holiness is the character and nature that reflects the glory and sanctity of the Holy God. Redemption is the gift of freedom bought at great expense by Jesus' death and resurrection. You've probably heard that "Christians aren't perfect!" And yes, we are flawed, but because of Jesus' loving sacrifice for, in God's eyes, we're "holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation" (Colossians 1:22). That, dear friend of Jesus, is what we call amazing grace. So, our boast is not in our self-earned righteousness — we're not superior to others because we live for God — but our righteousness is because of God and his graciousness!
My Prayer...
How can I thank you, wise and merciful Father, for the gift of Jesus? Your love in formulating the plan to send him as your sacrifice for my sins, having him become mortal, suffering agony when your own creations murdered him, is too wonderful for my mind to comprehend. But in my heart, I do know that you did these things because of your lovingly gracious and mercifully kind desire to reclaim my heart. I thank you and praise you forever, in Jesus' name. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
