Though we were lost in sin, God arranged from the beginning to provide a way for our return to Him. He set out a plan.
He hinted at it with the Passover:
I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. Exodus 6:6
And throughout the OT text we see His redemption message repeated, through pictures like the sacrifices, Boaz and Jubilee.
Jesus came. He fulfilled that plan and purpose. He paid the full price - for all of us – and even stated on the cross, “it is finished.”
Finished. It is complete and there is nothing more I can add. Nothing I can do. It is all Him. It is just mine to receive.
I learned this simple truth as a child in Sunday School. But somehow, I need to keep relearning it.
We just celebrated Good Friday and Easter. Do I believe it is all finished? Or maybe I need to add to it - just a little. Is my obedience to earn that salvation or is it a rightful response to His overwhelming grace? Do I think my particular form of prayer or worship is what is needed?
If I am relying on producing enough faith, then that still makes it up to me. My faith becomes a type of works. Salvation becomes about my faith and not what He did. But even a speck of mustard seed faith is enough if it is rightfully placed.
Lord, it is finished. And You did it ALL. I rest in Your work, gratefully redeemed, with nothing needed but to receive.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
