If We Can Get This...

It was only a three letter statement. However, in those three words the entire world was changed: "IT IS FINISHED!" Jesus had done all that He came to do. He had accomplished all that the Father had asked of Him. And before He would take His last breath, He shouted out the words that would shake the very foundations of the world.

If "it is finished" then why do we default to legalism?
If "it is finished" then why do we try to change people before they come to Jesus?
If "it is finished" then why don't people enjoy their salvation?
If "it is finished" then why don't we smile more?
If "it is finished" then why don't we share the Gospel?
If "it is finished"...

Is it possible that we don't really believe that "it is finished"? Maybe there is something inside of us that tells us that we have to work a little harder, do a little more, or meet a certain standard. When will we believe that Jesus Christ did it all?

If we can get this...
~ It will change the way we live
~ It will change the way we do church
~ It will change how we treat one another
~ It will change how we pray
~ It will change how we praise & worship
~ It will change how we read the Bible

Think about it:
You don't have to read the Bible to find a list of "do's and don'ts". You can read the Bible to have a personal encounter with God. When you spend time in His Word it's shouldn't be about learning a legal system but getting to know the God who authored it.
When you pray...you don't have to spend a lot of time getting yourself to a place to be heard. God's Word says that you can come boldly before Him.
When you go to God in worship...it's not about trying to do something to please God but rather a time to pour your affections upon Him. You can lavish Him with your praises.
Everything changes because "it is finished."

As a "New Covenant" believer, the only thing from the Old Covenant that belongs to you are the promises. You are qualified to receive them because you are in Jesus. There's isn't a law to satisfy, a standard to meet, or a penalty to avoid. Jesus has fulfilled all that the law required and allows you to live in it by faith. Your life will reflect what the law says because this is the life that God has designed. If we will walk in the revelation of the New Covenant, we will find that God's commandments are not burdensome. Our lives will become a symphony of praise.

We are still early enough in this New Year that I can encourage you in a new process. When you wake up in the morning, go ahead and begin praising God for the New Covenant you have in Jesus Christ. Thank Him for the grace that is available to live out your faith. Sing praises unto Him and you will find that in His presence is fullness of joy. Not only will it change your day but it will change your countenance.

May the Lord bless you.