Contrary to the lyrics to a popular gospel song, “It’s Not About Us But It’s About Jesus,” I discovered a different viewpoint from the scriptures.
Our new relationship with God was in by Him through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It also required our faith. We must believe God demonstrated His love in an extraordinary way to make this relationship possible.
Romans 5:1-11 is one of many passages of scriptures that emphasize the connection between God‘s love for us, Jesus‘s death on our behalf and the Holy Spirit’s work in our life. God sees us. Jesus is our sacrificial substitute. The Holy Spirit strengthens us to live and serve according to God’s will.
We have to believe in the complementary role of the Trinity (God, the Father; God, the Son and God, the Holy Spirit) that for many is difficult to explain; yet as far as God is concerned, not difficult to experience.
The scripture teaches that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). The scripture also says that God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom God gave to us (Romans 5:5).
To deny any part of this work is to fall short of the fulfilling relationship God wants for us. Many people would rather just have a relationship with God and dismiss the salvation work that Jesus accomplished on their behalf. Added to that, many more do not even know about the Holy Spirit’s much-needed work in their hearts.
Consider Romans 5:2, “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand…”, (NLT). Our response should provoke an abiding sense of humility and appreciation. Jesus changed our standing before God, because as unsaved sinners we stood eternally condemned, guilty and hopeless.
Christ died for us at just the right time. Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Christ died as our reconciling Savior when our position with God was at enemy status. In a moment’s time, God placed the full weight of punishment and condemnation for all our sins — past, present and future, upon Jesus.
When Jesus was crucified he sacrificed his life for the whole world. Now Jesus is alive forever. There will not be a death do-over. However, as individuals we have to confess our belief in Jesus — his identity as God’s Son and our Savior, his death and resurrection.
Herein salvation becomes our personal experience. According to Romans 5:3-4, since we have been made right with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We now have hope-filled assurance that will not disappoint when going through difficult times. We can persevere. Our character will be strengthened. The blessings of being saved guarantee that we have more to look forward to in this life as we live with eternal life in view.
We are now in a reconciled relationship with God. God took the initiative. He gave us Jesus, which is enough reason to rejoice.
Until next time, keep your faith front and center.