In love He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, with which He favored us in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:4b-6)

When we adopted our son, he was grafted into our family forever. Of course, we loved and adored him the moment he entered our lives as a foster child, but it was when the judge’s gavel struck the bench that he officially became a Smith. From that moment, because he was no longer part of the state’s system, there was no difference between him and our older son in terms of privilege, resources, protection, discipline, and (as small or nonexistent as it might be) inheritance. 

He is our child in every way imaginable.

The one thing, however, we could not give him was our nature—our DNA-driven features (good or bad). I could not pass on my Italian olive complexion or hazel eyes. His skin is a gorgeous brown, but it differs markedly from mine and his dad’s. And within the ever-present medical debates about nature vs. nurture, I can tell you that, on the side of nurture, he picked up plenty of characteristics (and character) growing up Smith.

Friend, when you give your life to Jesus, accepting salvation by grace through faith alone, you become a child of God, adopted into His family (John 1:12-13, Gal 4:4-5, Rom 8:14-17)! When we are born again into this new forever family, Christians become co-heirs with Christ, given every privilege, resource, and inheritance from God the Father. This is an amazing, glorious thing, especially looking forward to our heavenly future with Jesus.

But, unlike the limitation of human adoption to share DNA characteristics, when we are grafted into God’s family, He also miraculously bestows on us His very nature. We are given the righteousness of Jesus to replace our unrighteousness. We are made a completely new creation, transformed into the very image of Christ! Given the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead—we are able to live out (albeit not perfectly in this world) the “nurture AND nature” characteristics of our Lord. As we walk closer with God through His Word, we look more and more like Him.

And what’s more awe-inspiring, is that when our Heavenly Father looks at us, He doesn’t see our fallen, sinful nature. To Him, through our adoption, we are wholly and perfectly righteous, transformed by the blood of Jesus. Our adoptive Abba (Daddy) not only gives us everything He has…He has given us the proverbial DNA of Christ.

Lord, thank you for the privilege of being called Your child. Help me always remember who I am in You and glorify You through my words and action.

(Love) does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

1 Corinthians 13:5

Even if you’re not digging into God’s Word regularly, you’ve probably attended a wedding (maybe even your own) where 1 Corinthians 13 was read—it’s the familiar love chapter. In these verses the apostle Paul describes what “agape” love looks like. Agape is one of the many Greek words for love and connotes an unconditional, choice-driven love for others. And it’s a very big ask for us sin-laden humans.

Although the entire chapter delivers a depth and breadth of meaning that could—and has—filled books, I want to home in on one little phrase that packs a huge punch: “it (love) keeps no record of wrongs.” 

This inherently carries with it the exhortation to forgive. And the Bible has a lot to say about this topic (Eph 4:23, Mark 11:25, Matt 6:15, Col 3:13—just to name a few). But avoiding recordkeeping, well, that takes it to another level: it demands that we forgive and forget. You may be thinking, “Yeah, that’s not for me…how can I ever win an argument if the hatchet I buried long ago doesn’t have the handle easily accessible, so I can grab it and swing as needed?” 

Friend, if you are a Christ-follower, saved by faith through the amazing grace of Jesus, your record is clean and clear. When you recognized that your sin separated you from God, and you believed that Jesus paid the price of restoration, all your sins were forgiven (past, present, and future). More than that, they are forgotten (Jer 31:34, Hebrews 8:12)—God does not bring them up again. (Satan will, but that’s another story altogether.) When God opens His record book to your name, the countless items that should be there are gone, erased by the blood of Jesus. Your record, and mine, has been expunged.

As Christians, we are called to walk through this world taking intentional steps to be more like Jesus. This includes loving others with agape love. It means forgiving your spouse and not tucking the incident away for an opportune time to pull it out. It’s recognizing the Lord’s new mercies toward us every morning (Lam 3:22-23) and extending that to our children, friends, and coworkers. It means burying the entire hatchet—no digging up allowed.

Our record is clean, thanks to Jesus. And we’ve been given the Holy Spirit to help us forgive—and forget—in the same way. I’m not saying it’s easy…but how about it? Let’s grab our own proverbial pencil and start erasing those lists we’ve been keeping.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Before that show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” was a thing, there was an original version not many may remember called “Extreme Makeover.” Basically, someone would leave their loved ones and start a journey of transformation with a team of health, medical, and beauty experts. And it was very extreme—from cosmetic dentistry and laser eye surgery to minimal food and maximum exercise, no aspect of their physical self was left unchanged. (We watched it weekly…it was kind of a train wreck, but it was hard to look away.) Sadly, if you read any of those “where are they now” sites, you’ll see that these participants’ lives were not miraculously improved just because their outside was changed. Often relationships worsened, physical problems ensued, the weight came back, etc. 

But, friend, did you know that God has planned for each of us our very own extreme makeover? Unlike the TV show, though, the transformation we undergo is from the inside out—and we’re forever changed for the better. No professionals needed…just God’s perfect Word. So, what are some steps to realize a whole new you?

• Turn away from what was—and start moving in a new direction.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! (Isaiah 43:18-19); Therefore, repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19)

• Put on a fresh wardrobe—clothe yourself with righteousness.

I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a groom puts on a turban, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)

• Get your eyes fixed—on the Lord.

For my eyes are toward You, God, the Lord; In You I take refuge; do not leave me defenseless.

• Get a facelift—change your countenance with the joy of salvation. 

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. (John 15:11); Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:12)

• Apply a new perfume—the sweet aroma of Christ.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God… (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

After a physical makeover, it’s understandable to want to keep a mirror handy to admire the “new you.” But when we’re transformed by faith in Jesus and made new in Him, the mirror we use changes as well. Instead of gazing at self, “we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Transformation is a prayer away—why not choose to be renewed today?

Father, thank you that when we surrender to You, we don’t stay the same!

For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

Around the world, generally speaking, crime is punished and justice is served. There’s a deeper philosophical question in there as to what constitutes a “crime” and the associated penalties paid for those respective crimes—let alone the warped evolution of the concept of “justice.” But we’re going to talk at higher levels—much higher, as you’ll see.

Although no earthly justice system is perfect, when a societal law is broken, payment must be made. If you’re caught speeding, you pay the fine. If you’re convicted of theft or assault, you’ll likely spend time in jail. Often, the perpetrator must make monetary restitution to the victim, compensating for what has been taken (property, health, even life). 

But no matter the standard of “right” we may be working from, most of us can agree that if that standard is violated, some action or payment must be made for true justice to be served. And by the literal definition of justice, this is certainly true.

Did you know, brothers and sisters, that the True and Living God is, by definition, a just God (Isaiah 61:8, Ecclesiastes 3:17; Hebrews 10:30)? He is perfectly Holy (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 15:4), and He cannot tolerate the slightest unrighteousness (sin) in His presence—only perfection. 

Are you perfect? I’m certainly not! None of us are (Romans 3:23). So, what’s God’s penalty for sin—any and every sin, not just the “really bad ones”? Death. Not the death of our bodies at the end of our earthly lifetime, but rather spiritual death: eternal suffering in hell (Romans 6:3; Revelation 21:8). Payment for sin is required, and it will be paid.

But, friend, Someone has already paid that penalty on your behalf! Jesus (fully God) came to earth (fully man) to live the perfect life we could never live. And then, He died the death we deserve, taking the full penalty for every sinner for all time and transferring His perfect righteousness to our account. In fact, His last word on Calvary’s cross was “Tetelestai”—it is finished, the debt has been satisfied (John 19:30). A Great Exchange was made in that moment, His robe of righteousness for our filthy rags. 

Do we automatically become sinless upon our acceptance of this free and gracious gift? Nope. But we are made free from the bondage of sin, and we’re given the Holy Spirit to help us walk through this world in closer and closer alignment with God’s Word and His will. And when we do leave this world through physical death and are brought before the Holiest of Holy judges, we can stand in His presence unafraid and unstained—in unbridled joy!  

Any wrongdoing—from a lustful thought to a heinous murder—requires penalty. None of us has a proverbial “Get out of hell free” card based on our own actions (or goodness). It is simply not possible in our fallen humanity. But we’ve been given that great gift through Jesus Christ. And if we accept what He did on our behalf, our souls are forever stamped “paid in full.” 

Father, if there is just one reading this today who has not yet accepted the free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, I pray this moment will change their eternal destination.

Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. 

John 6:68

You’ve probably heard it from many people in your life—believers and unbelievers alike, “How could a good God do this!?” And as a result of their anger, a shift occurs. Sometimes it’s gradual, a slow walking away. Other times, it’s like a slammed door in the face of the Almighty.

Maybe this is you. A hurt was experienced, and bitterness set in. Without forgiveness (toward another or self), the seed is planted. Soon, it’s rooted, settling into a seething (yet, oddly comfortable) anger that fashions a veil through which you see life. And certainly, you conclude, God is ultimately to blame.

But friend, God is never to blame. In fact, the Gardener of our soul is the only one who can free us from the agonizing entanglement we created. See, life was not meant to be hard or painful. God created it unspoiled, for our perfect enjoyment. But man, given free will to love and obey God’s Holy order, decided to pursue self-idolatry, breaking the relationship with the Creator. Because of this (sin), creation is now fallen—full of broken people running after other broken people and worldly things to find lasting peace. This never works though. People will fail us and hurt us. And if we turn to the toxic narrative of self-love, it’s like trying to pour yourself a glass of refreshing tea from an empty pitcher.

Nothing of this world can adequately fill the soul-level hole we all have. Instead, we must turn away from ourselves, others, and stuff and recognize there’s only one Way to peace, contentment, and joy: Jesus Christ. Relational restoration with God comes in believing the Gospel—that Jesus lived, died, and rose again to exchange our sin for His righteousness. When we put our faith in Jesus, we can rely on His completeness to replace our brokenness, emptiness, and selfishness. Because we are forgiven, we forgive. Because we’ve been given grace and mercy, we extend those to others. Because we are perfectly loved, we love. 

Life is difficult and the world will have troubles—Jesus said so Himself. But He has overcome the world so that we can have peace and joy (John 16:33). 

Beloved, have you turned away from Him in anger or resentment? Are you desperately grasping for something or someone to be a balm for your pain? Have you bought into the lie that the answer is “within you”? Turn (or turn back) to Jesus today. He has not only made a way of eternal restoration with the Father, but He will help you walk through this world on your way Home. As He promises in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Psalm 51:12

I’m not exactly sure why, but I’ve been a bit bummed out lately. And I have no excuse, really. Sure, my family has a current challenges and struggles (like most people these days), but, overall, we are so very blessed. Although physical pain nags me, I am able to work to provide for our needs. We live in a comfortable home in an amazing community, and we are part of an incredible, Bible-believing church. 

So, why the melancholy? Well, it could be that whenever I tune in to what’s going on in our nation and world, a flood of negative emotions rushes in. Maybe it’s because I work from home all day in my little bubble, and when I venture out, I’m smacked in the face by a dystopian reality rapidly growing around me. So, despite being in the Word daily and worshipping with others twice a week, the pops of joy and peace seem way too short lived.

But David’s prayer in Psalm 51 was brought to mind, and his words washed over my soul: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (verse 12a). Now, “joy” is a great word study in the Bible—Old and New Testament. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10)…Joy is to be lived out as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)…We are to count it joy when we suffer trials (James 1:2)…Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2)…And we are exhorted to have joy (rejoice) always (1 Thessalonians 5:16). 

As inspiring and convicting as these (and the hundreds of others) “joy” references in God’s Word are, they can each leave us hanging with an all-important question: How do we embrace—and live out—Biblical joy? This is where David’s prayer comes in. 

As believers, we have a reason to celebrate that trumps anything this life could provide. It eclipses the most amazing family events, career experiences, vacations, and worldly “stuff”—all momentary things. Brothers and sisters, we have been given the greatest gift imaginable. Jesus has paid the price for our sin and handed us His righteousness. Our salvation has set us free, making us a new creation in Christ. There is no greater miracle—and no better reason for joy. 

No matter the highs or lows of this life, embracing the joy of our salvation creates a soul-level undercurrent of satisfaction. See, apart from Jesus, this world, from the heights of its glitter to the depths of its folly, is as good as it gets. But once we give our life to Him, we are simply on our way Home. The beauty around us is an infinitesimal taste of Heaven, and our pain and trouble are “light and momentary” (2 Corinthians 4:17) in the view of eternity.

Because of our faith in Jesus, we have a confident hope within us setting a foundation of everlasting joy. So, as we walk through this temporary world full of eternal souls, let’s not only grasp tightly to the joy of our own salvation, let’s share the Good News with others…and spread the joy.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:15

As believers, we are exhorted throughout the Bible to have an eternal perspective, setting our minds on things above, not on the things of this earth (Colossians 3:2). From the Old Testament writers to the Apostles’ letters, we’re told to keep our eyes on the Lord (Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 141:8, Hebrews 12:1-2). We’re called to be in the world, but not of it. 

I don’t know about you, but over the past 14 months or so, that’s been a real challenge. I feel like I’m constantly vacillating between being wholly focused on the Lord, His Truth, and doing His will and being obsessed by the societal madness going on around me—the likes of which I’ve not seen in my lifetime. It’s as if the “in it” and “of it” are duking it out on a daily basis to see who’ll be victorious. 

Jesus promised us that we’ll have troubles in this world, so it’s not like anything (illness, job loss, cultural wars, or pandemics) should surprise us. We’re even commanded to be anxious for nothing. Moreover, regardless of what’s going on around us, we know Who wins in the end—so why worry and get all spun about it all, right? Easier said than done, for sure.

So, what’s the answer? As Christ followers, we have a solid Foundation on which to stand (1 Corinthians 3:11), an unchanging Strong Tower where we can run and be safe (Proverbs 18:10). We are citizens of Heaven, a Kingdom where Jesus is on the throne—no matter what’s going on around us. It’s on these facts that we must anchor our mind and heart. It’s clear. And simple. But it takes intention. Every morning, as we open our eyes, washed afresh with the new mercies of God, we must plant our feet on God’s Word. Instead of immediately opening our phone for the latest fear-mongering headlines or rabbit-hole-descending social media trail, let’s open our mouth in praise of God’s amazing grace and holiness.

It’s about surrendering each and every moment to the Lord. He is in control of the big picture and the smallest detail. And we have the Holy Spirit living in us to guide and counsel us…if we ask Him to. Although we can’t really put our head completely in the sand (even if it seems really tempting), we can look at what’s happening around us through the lens of eternity and the knowledge of Truth. 

Until the Lord calls us home, beloved, we are in the world. But by staying rooted in His Word, steeped in fellowship, and aware of every blessing He’s provided, we can certainly avoid being of the world.

Out came the man who had died, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

John 11:44

Don’t you love it when rereading a familiar Bible passage reveals new insights into God’s amazing grace? Most Christians probably know the account of when Jesus resurrected His friend Lazarus from the grave. This powerful chapter in John’s gospel includes one of our Lord’s bold—and crystal clear—declarations that He is the Christ, the Son of God…the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-27). Amen!

Beyond the proclamation of who Jesus is, this chapter has much to say about who we are. This is what struck me afresh. We are like Lazarus. As fallen humanity, we were all dead in our sins (Romans 6:11; Ephesians 2:1). We were bound up in our own depravity and failures, despite our best efforts. And, although we go to great lengths to cover ourselves in spices (good deeds) and wrappings (the trappings this world), we still wreak of death. 

But Jesus has called us out of our grave! And when we accept that call of the Savior, we can walk away from our past, trading a life in darkness for one in His glorious light (1 Peter 2:9). We are made alive in Him, not just now but for eternity (John 5:24; 1 John 5:11-13).

Then, there are two little words in the account that leapt off the page to me. Well, these words aren’t “little” at all, but rather a command from the Creator of the Universe Himself. Jesus says, “Unbind him” (vs. 44). Do you get this? When we are called out of the mess of our self-centered, idol-worshipping proverbial grave, we are not only given new life, we are set free (John 8:36)! In my sanctified imagination, I picture Jesus delivering those two words with His eyes piercing my very soul…but, brother and sister, He’s talking directly to the enemy, Satan. 

When we trust the Lord, surrendering everything to Him, Jesus’ victory is ours. We are hidden in Christ (Col 3:3) and no one can snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28-29). Satan has no more power over us. Sure, he does his best to condemn us—but there is no condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1). He’ll pull out every tool from his evil arsenal to trip us up, soil our testimony, and keep us from telling others about Jesus. But he’s already lost his grip on our soul.

We have been unbound.

What about you? You don’t have to stay wrapped in the stench of sin and death. Jesus is calling you out of your grave. Take the step toward life in Christ and be free.

For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus…There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 

Galatians 3:26, 28

There’s a lot of talk these days about “privilege,” defined by Merriam-Webster.com as “a right of immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor.” The current narrative, of course, has to do with immutable characteristics (i.e., melanin level), which is just plain silly for a plethora of reasons…but I won’t go there. Instead, I want to focus on this weighty word as it pertains to all Christians. Because, friends, Christians are the truly privileged of this world.  

You might be shaking your head as your mind goes right to the millions of persecuted believers around the world—greater numbers now than ever. And “privileged” may not be the word you’d use to describe the countless (and media-ignored) Christians martyred daily for their faith in Jesus. Then there’s our own nation, literally founded on the freedom to worship, currently with shuttered churches and canceled voices. So, are followers of Jesus Christ truly “privileged”? Here are the top three reasons why that answer is a resounding YES.

1. We have the Bible—whole, complete, inerrant. 

The longer we study God’s Word, the clearer it becomes…there is only one theme throughout all 66 books: Jesus. The whole Old Testament points to the coming Messiah, from the Fall in the Garden to the John the Baptist. And though God’s faithful prophets predicted the coming sufferings and glories of Christ, they could only look ahead in hope, knowing they were preaching something they would not experience (1 Peter 1:10-12). Even New Testament believers, although they had the message of the first missionaries and powerful letters being sent from church to church, they did not have a complete living and powerful word (Hebrews 4:12).  

2. We have the Holy Spirit living in us to comfort, convict, and control us.

Upon salvation (the recognition of our sin leading to repentance and acceptance of Jesus’ completed work on the cross for us), we are immediately indwelt and sealed with the Holy Spirit—God Himself is living in us. He is our helper and teacher (John 14:26), our strength and intercessor (Romans 8:26). The more we surrender ourselves to Him, the more we can reflect the love of God to our foolish and hostile world (Galatians 5:22-23).

3. We have our identity in Christ.

As a Christian, we each have become a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). We are children of God (John 1:12) and the friend of Jesus (John 15:15). Our life is hidden in Christ (Col 3:3)—our sin covered completely by His righteousness so we can ultimately stand unashamed and unblemished before a Holy God.

Brothers and sisters, we are all, by definition, privileged. Because of Jesus, we have “immunity” from the sufferings of hell. We have the “advantage” of God living in us as we walk through this world. And we are, in fact, “favored”: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

“One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

John 9:25b

My Bible reading this morning brought me to one of my favorite places: the ninth chapter of John’s gospel. If you’ve read the gospels, the story here is probably familiar to you—it’s when Jesus heals the blind man on the Sabbath by making a clay for his eyes and having him wash in one of the temple pools. There is so much to unpack in every word and action. But one reason it’s so special to me is that, after 30 years of churchgoing, this was this passage that finally opened my own eyes to the Truth of Jesus Christ.

This man’s entire life was transformed by Jesus, yet no one celebrates with him. Instead, they were too busy worried about the fact that his healing took place on the Sabbath—and whether or not the One who healed him sinned because of it. But this guy’s responses to the whole thing were awesome. (Some of his retorts to the Pharisees were rather snarky, so maybe that’s why I like him so much.)

First, his neighbors were quarrelling among themselves whether this was actually the blind guy whom they knew to be a lifelong beggar. When they asked him directly, he simply told them what happened, which no one could argue or deny (v11). Probably out of fear, they brought him to the Pharisees—no work (including healing) allowed on the Sabbath, and rules were rules. And when the Pharisees asked and he told them what happened, they didn’t believe that he was once blind. So, they sent for his parents, who did confirm he was their son and that he was born blind. But because they were also fearful of the Pharisees, they left it at that, saying, “He’s an adult, ask him!”

When the Pharisees turned back to the (likely exasperated) healed man, demanding he agree that Jesus was a sinner, he gives the most concise and eloquent response: “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see” (vs 25).

Friend, if you are a Christian, this is your testimony too. It’s mine. And it belongs to every believer, regardless of where, when, or how we surrendered to Jesus as Lord. We were once blind to the Truth, and now our eyes have been opened. This is an indisputable fact, a powerful evangelism tool we each possess to share the Good News with others. No theology or apologetics degree required. Of course, we must always be maturing in our walk with the Lord. And we need to know God’s Word and be ready to provide an answer for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15). 

But whether we’re talking to someone who’s never heard the name of Jesus (like the healed man’s neighbors) or to a belligerent, vitriolic hater (like the Pharisees), this simple—and profound, lifechanging—truth is an irrefutable place to start. No fear required. “I once was blind, but now I see.”