You and God … continued

Jesus Died To Make This Relationship Possible

1 Peter 3:18 says this:

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit.”

Look at that powerful phrase, “bring us to God.” I can’t get there on my own! Even if I stop doing what is wrong, give up all my sin – turn over a new leaf – start reading the Bible and “go to church” three times a week, and give all my goods to feed the poor.

I can’t work my way out of sin and to God – without Christ! Even with my work – my obedience, WHAT THAT IS, IS A RECEPTION OF THE GIFT OF SALVATION, by a gracious God.

So that Christians can not only say, “My Lord and My God,” but – as written in Hebrews 4:16 – “let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

C.S. Lewis wasn’t right about everything; but he had this right:

“If we let ourselves, we shall always be waiting for and looking for some excuse, some distraction, some cause for delay – keeping us from really getting down to work on our relationship with God.” But the fact of the matter is – the only people who receive and achieve in their relationship with God, are those who want it so badly, they seek it even when conditions are not favorable. And, they seek it consistently . . . every single day.”

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63

Your soul cannot be fully satisfied – your eternal welfare cannot be secure – until your relationship with God is secure. Because of what Christ did, you can leave sin and walk with God.