True Identity!

When we are positioned in the intimacy of His arms, we have a different perspective on life. This morning I was blessed by the message the Lord spoke through our pastor. He reminded us of our true identity. If we don't know who we are or whose we are, we will never live up to our calling. In Him, we live and move and breathe. We must always remember and never forget. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. We are not simply sinners saved by grace. We are saints, and He has qualified us to share in His inheritance. For He alone has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. We are raised up in the love and power that sets us free the very moment we believe. The very moment...We do not stand before Him related by performance but grace! Praise You Jesus! We can come just as we are. Hebrews 10:14 says, "For by a single offering He has perfected  for all time those who are being sanctified." Our pastor reminded us of this simple but profound truth that I think we sometimes forget. Perfected forever. Being sanctified. Perfected meaning already perfect. When we come to Him, He says the old is gone and the new has come. What a gift! Christ doesn't just wipe the slate clean. There is no slate with Christ. He just forgives and makes new. We are saints, chosen by Him...to be holy. That brings me to the second part - being sanctified. Sanctification does not mean perfection reached, but the progress of the divine life to be more like Christ. Why do we impose this process on ourselves and others to arrive at being sanctified. We are saints, holy and dearly loved, because of His work....not ours. When temptations arise, we must remember who we are and whose we are. Perspective. If we see ourselves as Christ sees us...perfected forever and being sanctified...what the enemy has to offer will never fit into our identity. Satan is out to steal, kill, and destroy. He is like a lion, seeking whom he may devour. When he comes, we must know the truth and blast him with it! As children of God, He is in our midst. He is mighty to save. He rejoices over us with singing and quiets us with His love. He delights in us. May we delight in Him, in every part of who He is....and by His grace...who He has made us to be. Praise You Jesus. Thank you for perfecting us for all time and for being patient with us in the sanctification process. Truly, we are a blessed people. Thank You for Your indescribable gift! Help us to walk in the newness of life. May we live for what You died for and gladly accept Your inheritance. We love You Jesus. We love You!