I am not saved by believing— I simply realize I am saved by believing. And it is not repentance that saves me— repentance is only the sign that I realize what God has done through Christ Jesus. The danger here is putting the emphasis on the effect, instead of on the cause. Is it my obedience, consecration, and dedication that make me right with God? It is never that! I am made right with God because, prior to all of that, Christ died. When I turn to God and by belief accept what God reveals, the miraculous atonement by the Cross of Christ instantly places me into a right relationship with God. And as a result of the supernatural miracle of God’s grace I stand justified, not because I am sorry for my sin, or because I have repented, but because of what Jesus has done. The Spirit of God brings justification with a shattering, radiant light, and I know that I am saved, even though I don’t know how it was accomplished.The salvation that comes from God is not based on human logic, but on the sacrificial death of Jesus. We can be born again solely because of the atonement of our Lord. Sinful men and women can be changed into new creations, not through their repentance or their belief, but through the wonderful work of God in Christ Jesus which preceded all of our experience (see 2 Corinthians 5:17-19). The unconquerable safety of justification and sanctification is God Himself. We do not have to accomplish these things ourselves— they have been accomplished through the atonement of the Cross of Christ. The supernatural becomes natural to us through the miracle of God, and there is the realization of what Jesus Christ has already done— “It is finished!” (John 19:30)._______________________________________________________________ 

October 28, 2014

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord thank you for the reminder that I am Yours not because of anything I have done or will do. Once again You make me realize that my rescue, salvation, justification,  sanctification and abundant life has nothing to do with me…it is all about what Jesus has already done for me on the cross. I can choose to accept the rescue, salvation and gifts available to me because of your sacrifice, but I cannot earn them, or justify your extraordinary sacrifice. Thank You once again for reminding me that it is about Jesus, not me.

And God says…”Since the garden and Cain and Able, men and women have tried to justify or rationalize their position with Me and receive My blessing because of what they have done in My name. However, you cannot be justified nor positioned well with Me because of any good thing have done or plan to do. And how many men and women, wait to receive my rescue, salvation and justification, because they feel as if they have not done enough good?”

“You often hide from Me when you feel you have abused my love, grace, mercy and understanding. But you have not and cannot abuse my understanding, grace, mercy and love.  I will never leave you or forsake you….never. Nor can you earn my love or justify my love, grace, and mercy. You have my love, grace and mercy because of the sacrifice of Jesus. Seek Jesus and be transformed daily; knowing supernaturally that you are mine, and I love you beyond your capacity to understand. Seek first the kingdom of God which is Jesus, and everything else you need, including reassurance and the faith you need,  will be provided.”