“Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25
Around our house, we’re always running out of something—ketchup, gas, and, more often than I’d like to admit, patience. A never-ending supply of necessities would be nice since sparse shelves and sounding fuel gauges remind us that we quickly use up what we need most—except when it comes to salvation. “Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.” Heaven’s throne room has no back door, and Jesus isn’t looking to leave. “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” “Save completely” shouts for a second look. The words mean to rescue thoroughly, entirely, and to the uttermost (as our King James’ counterparts would say). To be “saved completely” means we are redeemed in all directions—forever. No sin is so heinous that Jesus will cast you away. No heart grows so cold that He cannot warm you up. Jesus saves. For sure.
Our salvation is not a “once and done and done with you” deal, but it is “once and doing,” with the action finished on the cross but the effect continuing forever. “Because he always lives to intercede for them.” Each moment of every day the Son implores the Father on your behalf. “There is one mediator between God and men—the man Christ Jesus”( 1 Tim. 2:5) who spends His time talking to the Father about you—your needs, your wants, your trials, your triumphs, and about how He has covered your transgressions.
You never need worry that your salvation will be in short supply. Jesus has saved you all the way in all directions. He won’t run out of time for eternity knows no count-down clock. He won’t get low on patience for His position as our priest is permanent. He will never take a break, grow tired, or turn you away. He saved you then, and He’s keeping you saved now.
As you restock shelves and refill the tank reconsider your complete salvation. Jesus loves His own. He will never let them go. And He will always lift them up.
‘Tis grace hath brought us safe this far.
'Tis grace will lead us home.
‘Tis grace will keep us saved—for sure.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Perfect Solution
“The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:18-19
Some people have a knack for pointing out problems but not presenting solutions. They can see what’s wrong but can’t set things right. The divine Law given to Moses and passed on to God’s people was a lot like that. Page after page of “Thou shalts” and “Thou shalt nots” left them with a strong sense of shortcoming and sin, but the sacrifices required for failure couldn’t fix their faults. They only delayed the penalty.
For four thousand years (from Cain and Abel to Annas and Caiaphas) altars blazed with offerings of reverence and remorse, but the barrier between us and God never budged. The revelation of God’s perfect holiness and precise requirements exposed our need but couldn’t meet it. The Law was wonderful for showing our wrong but “weak and useless” in setting us right. So, since rules didn’t get the job done and God wanted us to draw near, “the former regulation is set aside…and a better hope is introduced.”
We have been set free from the Law. The cross has released us from the heavy hand of judgment and placed us in the gentle grip of grace. While there are many things we do or don’t do because we know they aren’t best, our choice to engage or refrain results from being right with God and is not a desperate attempt to get right with God. The righteousness of Jesus gives us total freedom, and in that freedom, we find obedience to be a joy and a blessing.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do…God did by sending His own Son”(Rom. 8:1-3).
The Law gave us much to cry about and little to cheer about, but God’s love should have celebrating all the time.
The problem is our sin. The answer is our Savior.
Nothing could ever be better.
Some people have a knack for pointing out problems but not presenting solutions. They can see what’s wrong but can’t set things right. The divine Law given to Moses and passed on to God’s people was a lot like that. Page after page of “Thou shalts” and “Thou shalt nots” left them with a strong sense of shortcoming and sin, but the sacrifices required for failure couldn’t fix their faults. They only delayed the penalty.
For four thousand years (from Cain and Abel to Annas and Caiaphas) altars blazed with offerings of reverence and remorse, but the barrier between us and God never budged. The revelation of God’s perfect holiness and precise requirements exposed our need but couldn’t meet it. The Law was wonderful for showing our wrong but “weak and useless” in setting us right. So, since rules didn’t get the job done and God wanted us to draw near, “the former regulation is set aside…and a better hope is introduced.”
We have been set free from the Law. The cross has released us from the heavy hand of judgment and placed us in the gentle grip of grace. While there are many things we do or don’t do because we know they aren’t best, our choice to engage or refrain results from being right with God and is not a desperate attempt to get right with God. The righteousness of Jesus gives us total freedom, and in that freedom, we find obedience to be a joy and a blessing.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do…God did by sending His own Son”(Rom. 8:1-3).
The Law gave us much to cry about and little to cheer about, but God’s love should have celebrating all the time.
The problem is our sin. The answer is our Savior.
Nothing could ever be better.
Monday, March 21, 2011
No Anchors Aweigh
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19
Anchors are awesome. If you don’t agree, try driving across an un-anchored bridge, zipping up an un-anchored skyscraper, or boarding an un-anchored boat, and you will quickly discover that anchors go down to hold us up. Winds wail against the stories of a skyscraper, but, because of its anchors, the building stays steady. Currents crash into the pilings of a bridge, but, because of its anchors, the road remains still. Waves bob a boat up and down, but it won’t sail off until the anchor is lifted. Anchors keep us from floating away and falling over. They provide stability and security so we can drive, zip, and board safely and soundly.
Just as ships and spans require anchors, our souls need one even more if we are to safely and soundly travel through life. When the anchor of our hope hooks into the solid rock of Christ’s righteousness, we have found the firm foundation that our faith desperately desires. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”(Heb. 6:19.
Our hope in Christ is called “hope” only because it hasn’t yet happened, not because it might not happen. Nothing is more certain than God’s promise of redemption through a relationship with Jesus. The rope of grace which tethers us to His side is “firm and secure.” “We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged”(Heb. 6:18b). Our Captain will never call out, “Anchors aweigh!” and send us sailing on our own. Our God, who cannot lie, has sworn by things which cannot change(Heb. 6:18a) that we are His and always will be.
This hope in Jesus takes us where we could not go on our own—into God’s presence(Heb. 6:20), and we are able to ride out the storms of life safe in His sanctuary. Winds howl and waves roll. Tsunamis of grief and loss break over us. Financial and physical crises crash into us. Our bodies will ache and our hearts will hurt, but our souls can stay strong because of His hope.
Live steadfast.
Live secure.
Your life is anchored deep in God’s love, and He will never let go.
Anchors are awesome. If you don’t agree, try driving across an un-anchored bridge, zipping up an un-anchored skyscraper, or boarding an un-anchored boat, and you will quickly discover that anchors go down to hold us up. Winds wail against the stories of a skyscraper, but, because of its anchors, the building stays steady. Currents crash into the pilings of a bridge, but, because of its anchors, the road remains still. Waves bob a boat up and down, but it won’t sail off until the anchor is lifted. Anchors keep us from floating away and falling over. They provide stability and security so we can drive, zip, and board safely and soundly.
Just as ships and spans require anchors, our souls need one even more if we are to safely and soundly travel through life. When the anchor of our hope hooks into the solid rock of Christ’s righteousness, we have found the firm foundation that our faith desperately desires. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”(Heb. 6:19.
Our hope in Christ is called “hope” only because it hasn’t yet happened, not because it might not happen. Nothing is more certain than God’s promise of redemption through a relationship with Jesus. The rope of grace which tethers us to His side is “firm and secure.” “We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged”(Heb. 6:18b). Our Captain will never call out, “Anchors aweigh!” and send us sailing on our own. Our God, who cannot lie, has sworn by things which cannot change(Heb. 6:18a) that we are His and always will be.
This hope in Jesus takes us where we could not go on our own—into God’s presence(Heb. 6:20), and we are able to ride out the storms of life safe in His sanctuary. Winds howl and waves roll. Tsunamis of grief and loss break over us. Financial and physical crises crash into us. Our bodies will ache and our hearts will hurt, but our souls can stay strong because of His hope.
Live steadfast.
Live secure.
Your life is anchored deep in God’s love, and He will never let go.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Heavenly Headlines
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you help his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10
Headlines are rarely happy. Usually the shocking or sensational is placed center-page to capture our eye and grab our attention. Disasters, accidents, or alien sightings are much more interesting than “Man Mows Neighbor’s Yard” or “Woman Cooks Supper for Sick Friend.” But though most of what we do is never recognized, God remembers. He notices your labors of love and sees your work even if no one else is watching. He knows the hours you’ve spent cleaning up, straightening out, listening, driving, cooking, or painting. He’s kept track of the time you’ve spent coaching, studying, and planning. “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you help his people and continue to help them.”
God knows and we know you haven’t done all these things for praise but out of passion for Him. You love Him by loving others, and you help others as a way to honor God. When you “work with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men”(Col. 3:23), God is delighted and others are encouraged. The time, effort, and energy you put out are written down in God’s memory, and He will bring it all back up after He takes you up!
Even when you’re tired, don’t get tired of doing good(Gal. 6:9). “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain”(1 Cor. 15:58), so keep on loving, don’t stop working, “continue to help,” and go on giving.
You don’t do what you do so that others will remember, but know that God will never forget.
You might not make the paper on earth, but there will be much to read in eternity!
Headlines are rarely happy. Usually the shocking or sensational is placed center-page to capture our eye and grab our attention. Disasters, accidents, or alien sightings are much more interesting than “Man Mows Neighbor’s Yard” or “Woman Cooks Supper for Sick Friend.” But though most of what we do is never recognized, God remembers. He notices your labors of love and sees your work even if no one else is watching. He knows the hours you’ve spent cleaning up, straightening out, listening, driving, cooking, or painting. He’s kept track of the time you’ve spent coaching, studying, and planning. “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you help his people and continue to help them.”
God knows and we know you haven’t done all these things for praise but out of passion for Him. You love Him by loving others, and you help others as a way to honor God. When you “work with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men”(Col. 3:23), God is delighted and others are encouraged. The time, effort, and energy you put out are written down in God’s memory, and He will bring it all back up after He takes you up!
Even when you’re tired, don’t get tired of doing good(Gal. 6:9). “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain”(1 Cor. 15:58), so keep on loving, don’t stop working, “continue to help,” and go on giving.
You don’t do what you do so that others will remember, but know that God will never forget.
You might not make the paper on earth, but there will be much to read in eternity!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Growing Up
“Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity.”
Hebrews 6:1
Displayed down hallway walls in many homes are pictures of the kids. Frame after frame captures precious moments sequenced from cradle to college, and the exhibit often ends with a wedding. A glance at the wall brings a rush of nostalgia and a reassurance of normalcy, for babies are born to grow. A toddler becomes a tween, then a teen, and somehow, amazingly, an adolescent morphs into an adult. Along the way, milk becomes meat, and smushed peas give way to sandwiches—then steak.
Our spiritual snapshots should look the same. We began as babies—born of God’s Spirit and adopted as His own. As His children, we’ve been created for change, but sometimes our spiritual diet and spiritual disciplines resemble a Christian much less mature than we ought to be. “Though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!”(Heb. 5:12)
These are hard verses, but let them be the “annual physical” that helps assess your spiritual health. If you’re God’s, you should be growing. You should know Jesus more and know more about Jesus today than you did yesterday, last month, last year. Though we never stop being fed by others (pastors, teachers, friends), it’s time to pick up the fork more ourselves. We grow by listening closely to what God says, and we should be reading more, studying more, and reflecting more on the Bible than ever before. Our prayers should have more passion and more purpose than in the past. Our praise should flow more freely and more often. Our personal devotions should be becoming a time of being with God and not just a time of getting something from God. And the living out of all we’ve taken in should show up in our actions and attitudes.
Growth isn’t a source of pride; it’s a sign of life, so let’s stop guzzling milk and start chewing on meat. “Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity”(Heb. 6:1). You’ve known the basics about repentance, faith, baptism, the resurrection, and the eternal judgment for a while (Heb. 6:2). These essential nutrients got you going, but you should keep growing. There’s so much more to our good God than we’ve tasted yet. “Taste and see that the Lord is good”(Ps. 34:8).
Growing kids stay hungry.
Pile up your plate and come back for more.
"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”(1 Peter 3:18).
Hebrews 6:1
Displayed down hallway walls in many homes are pictures of the kids. Frame after frame captures precious moments sequenced from cradle to college, and the exhibit often ends with a wedding. A glance at the wall brings a rush of nostalgia and a reassurance of normalcy, for babies are born to grow. A toddler becomes a tween, then a teen, and somehow, amazingly, an adolescent morphs into an adult. Along the way, milk becomes meat, and smushed peas give way to sandwiches—then steak.
Our spiritual snapshots should look the same. We began as babies—born of God’s Spirit and adopted as His own. As His children, we’ve been created for change, but sometimes our spiritual diet and spiritual disciplines resemble a Christian much less mature than we ought to be. “Though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!”(Heb. 5:12)
These are hard verses, but let them be the “annual physical” that helps assess your spiritual health. If you’re God’s, you should be growing. You should know Jesus more and know more about Jesus today than you did yesterday, last month, last year. Though we never stop being fed by others (pastors, teachers, friends), it’s time to pick up the fork more ourselves. We grow by listening closely to what God says, and we should be reading more, studying more, and reflecting more on the Bible than ever before. Our prayers should have more passion and more purpose than in the past. Our praise should flow more freely and more often. Our personal devotions should be becoming a time of being with God and not just a time of getting something from God. And the living out of all we’ve taken in should show up in our actions and attitudes.
Growth isn’t a source of pride; it’s a sign of life, so let’s stop guzzling milk and start chewing on meat. “Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity”(Heb. 6:1). You’ve known the basics about repentance, faith, baptism, the resurrection, and the eternal judgment for a while (Heb. 6:2). These essential nutrients got you going, but you should keep growing. There’s so much more to our good God than we’ve tasted yet. “Taste and see that the Lord is good”(Ps. 34:8).
Growing kids stay hungry.
Pile up your plate and come back for more.
"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”(1 Peter 3:18).
The End of the Road
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Esther trembled in the doorway. Would the king raise his scepter or keep it by his side? Compelled by need, she had come to the throne, but would she be greeted with grace or be shown no mercy?
Mercy and grace. Esther desired them, and so do we. The two not only save us; they sustain us. Mercy is not getting what we do deserve. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. Never a day goes by that we don’t need God’s mercy. Not a moment passes that we don’t need His grace. And both are always available. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”(Heb. 4:16).
In our struggles, our sorrows, and our sin, we approach the throne hoping for a handout, and at the end of the royal road (which according to Moses is not yellow brick but blue sapphire- Ex. 24:10), we are warmly welcomed by a God who is rich in mercy(Eph 2:4) and who abundantly pours out grace(1 Tim. 1:14).
The justice of the cross allows such generosity. The One sitting on the throne paved the way, and His throne is a place of grace—not of guilt. It is there we find new mercies every morning(Lam. 3:23). It is there we are given strength and courage for the day(Heb. 13:9, 2 Thess. 2:16).
Thankfully for Esther, her story had a happy ending. King Xerxes raised his scepter and granted her request. When we ask for mercy and grace, our King will grant our requests, too.
His door is never locked.
His scepter is always lifted.
His throne is always grace.
Esther trembled in the doorway. Would the king raise his scepter or keep it by his side? Compelled by need, she had come to the throne, but would she be greeted with grace or be shown no mercy?
Mercy and grace. Esther desired them, and so do we. The two not only save us; they sustain us. Mercy is not getting what we do deserve. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. Never a day goes by that we don’t need God’s mercy. Not a moment passes that we don’t need His grace. And both are always available. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”(Heb. 4:16).
In our struggles, our sorrows, and our sin, we approach the throne hoping for a handout, and at the end of the royal road (which according to Moses is not yellow brick but blue sapphire- Ex. 24:10), we are warmly welcomed by a God who is rich in mercy(Eph 2:4) and who abundantly pours out grace(1 Tim. 1:14).
The justice of the cross allows such generosity. The One sitting on the throne paved the way, and His throne is a place of grace—not of guilt. It is there we find new mercies every morning(Lam. 3:23). It is there we are given strength and courage for the day(Heb. 13:9, 2 Thess. 2:16).
Thankfully for Esther, her story had a happy ending. King Xerxes raised his scepter and granted her request. When we ask for mercy and grace, our King will grant our requests, too.
His door is never locked.
His scepter is always lifted.
His throne is always grace.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The BASIC of Life
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence….” Hebrews 4:16
Back before computers were beyond consumer understanding, there was BASIC, a programming language which allowed the one who bought the machine, not just the one who built it, to tell the computer what to do. The commands were few and, well, basic. IF…THEN, REPEAT…UNTIL, and GOTO (as in “go to”) were the fundamental functions entered by the user.
Though we are not creatures who can be programmed, understanding the basics of our relationship with God will help us run at our full potential. Hebrew states it this way: “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God…Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…”(Heb. 4:14&16). Because of the cross, God uses “SINCE…THEN” not “IF…THEN” for the fact of Christ’s sacrifice is a constant not a variable. “SINCE we have Jesus, let us THEN go to God.”
Since we have Jesus, and only since we have Jesus, we can come into God’s presence courageously. We can “approach the throne of grace with confidence.” We come with boldness because all of our badness has been covered by Christ’s goodness(1 Cor. 1:30). We come near without fear for we are no longer liable for breaking God’s law(Rom. 8:2). We are free to come close anytime for anything (REPEAT…UNTIL). We’re not required to anxiously await an invitation. And because of Jesus, we do not dread disapproval or rejection but are assured of acceptance.
Though none of this is new, sometimes the simplest and most obvious is the easiest to overlook and under appreciate (e.g., gravity). Today as you pray, thank the One who went before you and made the way for you to come. Let the “SINCE” of the cross lead you to the “THEN” of the throne, and may it be a place you GOTO constantly and confidently.
God’s program is BASIC. And best.
Back before computers were beyond consumer understanding, there was BASIC, a programming language which allowed the one who bought the machine, not just the one who built it, to tell the computer what to do. The commands were few and, well, basic. IF…THEN, REPEAT…UNTIL, and GOTO (as in “go to”) were the fundamental functions entered by the user.
Though we are not creatures who can be programmed, understanding the basics of our relationship with God will help us run at our full potential. Hebrew states it this way: “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God…Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…”(Heb. 4:14&16). Because of the cross, God uses “SINCE…THEN” not “IF…THEN” for the fact of Christ’s sacrifice is a constant not a variable. “SINCE we have Jesus, let us THEN go to God.”
Since we have Jesus, and only since we have Jesus, we can come into God’s presence courageously. We can “approach the throne of grace with confidence.” We come with boldness because all of our badness has been covered by Christ’s goodness(1 Cor. 1:30). We come near without fear for we are no longer liable for breaking God’s law(Rom. 8:2). We are free to come close anytime for anything (REPEAT…UNTIL). We’re not required to anxiously await an invitation. And because of Jesus, we do not dread disapproval or rejection but are assured of acceptance.
Though none of this is new, sometimes the simplest and most obvious is the easiest to overlook and under appreciate (e.g., gravity). Today as you pray, thank the One who went before you and made the way for you to come. Let the “SINCE” of the cross lead you to the “THEN” of the throne, and may it be a place you GOTO constantly and confidently.
God’s program is BASIC. And best.
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