May 15, 2019

“Through him everyone who believes is set free from sin.” – Acts 13:39

 Too often we make the mistake of thinking that our forgiveness and justification before God is a future event. We believe it takes place “someday” when we stand before the Throne. But the truth is, we are set right with God from the moment we put our faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. That forgiveness and freedom is ours every single day. As you woke up this morning, the sins of yesterday have done nothing to move you any further from His arms. And no matter what happens today, you will lay your head down in right standing before God. This is because the power of our justification rests on his faithfulness, not our actions: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

If this is true, if the mercy of God is fresh and more than sufficient for me today, then how should I respond? I think Charles Spurgeon says it best: “ Let present privilege awaken us to present duty, and now, while life lasts, let us spend and be spent for our sweet Lord Jesus.” You have nothing to worry about; God’s mercies are just as fresh today as the day you came to Christ. You do not need to do any more to accomplish or renew your right standing with God…so let’s start worrying about others’ right standing with God…let’s get to the work of sharing Jesus with the world!

Father, I stand in awe of your mercies. My words, songs, and groans could never express the thanksgiving that wells up in my heart as I begin to get a glimpse into the incredible depths of Your forgiveness. Lord, let this work in me continue on to accomplish your purpose for me; spur me on to go and make disciples of all nations.

In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon