“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. And yet for this reason I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

(1 Timothy 1:15 NASB)

Recently I sat at my desk listening to the song “It Is Well With My Soul” recorded live at the 2008 Together for the Gospel conference. Thousands of pastors gathered to learn from God’s Word and worship Him together (I have to say that there’s nothing quite like the experience of worshiping with thousands of pastors who are robustly praising God with all that is within them). When it came to the verse that says…

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

…I was overwhelmed with the deepest sense of gratitude for God’s grace and mercy.

Do you really believe (I mean really believe) that Christ paid it all – when He hung upon the cross in payment for your sins?

“Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” (Romans 5:9 ESV)

One of the keys to walking in greater holiness in the future is believing the truth that your sins have been forgiven and paid for – completely – through the atoning sacrifice of Christ’s death on the cross.

Eternal life doesn’t start when you die-it starts the moment Jesus saves you from your sin. Here are ten things that happen at salvation:

1. You are reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:18-20).

2. You are forgiven for all of your sins (Col. 2:13).

3. You become a child of God (John 3:3, 7).

4. You are accepted by God (Eph. 1:6).

5. You are justified by Jesus Christ (Rom. 4:1-5:1).

6. You are brought close to God (Eph. 2:13).

7. You are delivered from the power of darkness (2 Cor. 4:3-4; Col. 1:13).

8. You join the people of God (1 Pet. 2:9).

9. You are granted access to God (Heb. 4:16; 10:10-20).

10. You receive an inheritance (Eph. 1:14; Col. 3:24; 1 Pet 1:4; Heb. 9:15).

 (This post is adapted from Pastor Bill Clem’s Re:Lit book, Disciple: Getting Your Identity from Jesus.) 

“And when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions.” (Colossians 2:13 NASB)

One of my all-time favorite hymns of the faith is Before the Throne of God Above. Let these words sink deep into the far recesses of your soul:

 

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea

A great high Priest whose Name is Love

Who ever lives and pleads for me

 

My name is graven on His hands

My name is written on His heart

I know that while in heaven He stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart

No tongue can bid me thence depart

 

When Satan tempts me to despair

And tells me of the guilt within

Upward I look and see Him there

Who made an end to all my sin

 

Because the sinless Savior died

My sinful soul is counted free

For God the just is satisfied

To look on Him and pardon me

To look on Him and pardon me

 

“Either He bore all our sins, or none; and He either saves us once for all, or not at all.” (Charles Spurgeon)

“At the cross, the love of God and the wrath of God shake hands; the mercy of God and the justice of God embrace; and the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity appear in stark contrast.” (William P. Farely, from his book – Outrageous Mercy)