Christianity 101: Building a Firm FoundationSample

It is Finished…

Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”
John 6:29 NLT

Let’s take a brief look at what Bible forgiveness, grace, and mercy mean:

• Forgiveness is total release from a debt we owe.
• Grace means getting something for free that we don’t deserve.
• Mercy is not getting what we do deserve.

God’s forgiveness, grace, and mercy come up against our human reasoning that nothing is free, and we must earn, work, and find ourselves deserving of His gifts. But we can do nothing in our humanity to attain these blessings. So, how do we access them?

The Bible states the only thing we can offer Lord Jesus is our faith. We start our journey receiving Him by faith, and we access all His promises, including His forgiveness, grace, and mercy, by faith. And not perfect faith either, but one step at a time, trusting Him and His Word.

We previously read that Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for us, once for all. When He cried out from the cross—It is finished—He meant it! Jesus completely obliterated our sin. Wiped it off the map. Condemnation has been kicked out the door.

We must remember that Christianity is a relationship—not a religion. The world’s religions are all about doing something—Christianity states that it has been done for us. When we attempt to earn God’s forgiveness and favor or wallow in guilt, it’s comparable to saying that our sin is greater than Christ’s shed blood. No way!

Because our adventure with Jesus is all about a relationship with Him, we do need to acknowledge when we mess up. This acknowledgment is for our benefit to bring our failings out of darkness into His light. Confessing to Him also opens the door for His Spirit to begin transforming areas within us that need His correction and freedom.

Still, our minds can accuse us when we falter. We also have an accuser—the devil—who whispers guilt and condemnation to us along our pathway (Rev. 12:10). Guilt and lies are the serpent’s weapons trying to tie our lives in knots so that we turn from God rather than to Him. Instead, we silence accusations by faith and ruthlessly stand on Jesus’ platform of absolute forgiveness according to His Word.

Rest. Believe. Jesus has paid for your ticket. Now enjoy Him and the journey ahead. You are His…

• What does John 1:12 simply but profoundly state?
• What do Jesus’ words mean to you from John 19:30?
• How does Romans 8:1 reassure your heart?
• How would you rewrite 1 John 3:19-23 in your own words?
• How does John 10:27-30 encourage your heart?