Stan and I were again at the Twelve Baskets Cafe for breakfast and conversation about growing in our faith. Ricky had poured our first cup of coffee and Cook was preparing our breakfast orders. While we waited, Stan mentioned he’d been able to introduce a neighbor to the commonly-used shorthand definition of ‘justification’ he’d told me about some time ago. “You mean the one about how accepting Jesus’ finished work on the cross,” I replied, “is just as if I’d never sinned.”
“That’s it,” Stan said. “Good remembering! To be justified is to be put in the state that’s just if I’d never sinned.”
“Yeah,” I agreed, “when I stand in God’s eternal presence, He’ll see me as without sin because Jesus on the cross took the punishment I deserve for my sin.”
“So,” I continued, “did your neighbor understand what you told him about justification.”
“He not only understood it,” Stan replied, “right away he took a next step of growing in his faith.”
“How so?”
“He said something like, ‘if God is going to see me in eternity as sinless because I’ve accepted what Jesus accomplished on the cross — if He’s going to see me as justified — I think I should seek to live here as He’s going to see me there!'”
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Bible verses to consider:
When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. John 19:30.
So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19.
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence and you will see me as justified and righteous because of Jesus, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I don’t live here as you will see me there because I choose to walk my own way apart from you. Please forgive that foolish way of living the new life you’ve given and help me follow every step of your lead in living here as you will see me there. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Will you be able to stand before God in eternity as righteous because you have accepted what He provided through the finished work of Jesus’ cross? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation, redemption, and justification, how are you doing with living here how God will see you when you stand before Him clothed in the righteousness of Christ? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need not only to be justified, but to live here as He will see you there? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?