You Can't Lose Your Salvation by Pete Briscoeنموونە

Perfect The First Time

To be fully seen by somebody…and be loved anyhow…that can border on miraculous. —Elizabeth Gilbert, Committed

There comes a time when we don’t need to upgrade our smartphones. When everything we need is already in our back pocket—at least for the moment, who needs the 10.0 when the 8.0 is still getting the job done?

Maybe some of you are looking at Jesus and wondering if you need an upgrade. I mean, come on, trusting in Him is fine for those who have small sins. But your sins feel huge. A little extra penance and punishment would help you feel more confident in Jesus’ ability to save you.

Yeah, a Jesus 2.0 would be nice. Perish the thought…

I’m here to tell you Jesus 1.0 is enough. “Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26).

Look at how Jesus is described: holy, blameless, pure, set apart, exalted.

There is not going to be a “new and improved covenant.” There’s not going to be a Jesus 2.0. Jesus did it. The cross worked. He’s still alive. He’s not going anywhere.

We’re imperfect, and He gives us perfection. We’re to blame in our sin, but He presents us blameless. He transforms us to the degree that we’re no longer sinners saved by grace. In Christ, we’ve become saints who sometimes sin.

Over three decades ago, I looked Libby in the eye and entered into a covenant with her—a promise to stay in this relationship till death do us part. And you know what? I’m absolutely convinced she isn’t going anywhere. As a result, I can lean into my marriage. I can be myself; I can even share my sin with her, and we can talk about it. I’m able to breathe—to lean into intimacy—and rest. It’s a settled confidence.

This is what God desires for us to have with Him. Jesus’ work on the cross is finished, complete, and permanent. You don’t need an upgrade.

God, thank You for seeing me as I am and still calling me Yours. I want to lean in—to rest and experience intimacy in our relationship. The promise of forever with You allows me to do exactly that. Amen.

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Reflection:

1. Do you fear that God will change His mind about you?
2. What have you learned that assures you this won’t happen?
3. How will this assurance change the way you view your relationship with Christ?