...you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Jesus is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Let's unpack those "churchy-sounding" words. Righteousness is the ability to stand before God and be declared free from sin and guilt. Holiness is the character and nature that reflects the glory and sanctity of the Holy God. Redemption is the gift of freedom bought at great expense by Jesus' death and resurrection. You've probably heard that "Christians aren't perfect!" And yes, we are flawed, but because of Jesus' loving sacrifice for us, in God's eyes, we're "holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation" (Colossians 1:22). That, dear friend of Jesus, is what we call amazing grace. So, our boast is not in our self-earned righteousness — we're not superior to others because we live for God — but our righteousness is because of God and his graciousness!
My Prayer...
How can I thank you, wise and merciful Father, for the gift of Jesus? Your love in formulating the plan to send him as your sacrifice for my sins, having him become mortal, suffering agony when your own creations murdered him, is too wonderful for my mind to comprehend. But in my heart, I do know that you did these things because of your lovingly gracious and mercifully kind desire to reclaim my heart. I thank you and praise you forever, in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, January 30, 2004
"[Jesus said,] "Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never....."
"Dear Precious One,
Yesterday I talked to you about the importance of My grace leading you to forgive those who have wounded you. That is hard. Today...."
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