The Gospel changes everything. When you accept God’s salvation, He no longer sees you as an unworthy sinner. But I often encounter Christians who hold onto their old self-image.
You must see yourself through God’s eyes. God considers you as sanctified and perfected, even though His work in you is an ongoing process:
We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
—Hebrews 10:10, 14
Therefore, you are both perfect and being perfected. You’re becoming perfect in a way that you can’t reverse the process and become imperfect.
Jesus is Lord and He lives forever to intercede for all believers. Previous sacrifices by human priests had no power to save. But through Jesus, you are perfect for all time. That means your sanctification is a done deal. Jesus paid the price for your perfection. He paid it one time, for all time.
Then later in Hebrews 10, there is a hint of a warning to not fall away from your faith.
but my righteous one shall live by faith,
—Hebrews 10:38-39
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”
But we are not of those who shrink back and aredestroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
When you read Hebrews 10 you must decide who you are. Are you of the people who don’t shrink back? You preserve your soul through your believing faith. Put your faith in Jesus. Keep your faith in Jesus. You are truly saved, safe, and secure when you entrust your life to Him. Where there is faith and the Spirit of God, there is freedom and there is no longer condemnation for sin. Your sin can’t prevent you from keeping your eternal life.
Matt, I so needed to read this today during such a beautiful time of year that brings sad memories for me. I struggle most often during the Holidays and need some a fresh perspective and remembering of God’s loving favor and sanctification. I continue to try to stand strong in my freedom with Christ and my faith. Thank you very much for this encouragement.