Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Understanding Grace: Our worth in light of the Finished Work

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18


Whenever the truth arises, it causes us to reevaluate what we have heard. When the truth of God's Word arises tradition scatters. In the light of truth misunderstandings, false concepts, and ideas crumble and fade away. So it is with the grace revolution. False concepts of God have lost its hold on the Children of God.

 One of these false conceptions that is a major stronghold for so many, is the idea of our worth. In the World system, they go to extremes to prove their worth. Their worth is wrapped up in their work abilities. Their worth is placed heavily upon their physical body. They perceive value by how many find them appealing. Sadly, some in the Church also look in all the wrong places to discover their worth in the Family of God.

 So many look to their performance and ability to behave as their worth to God. Just, recently a major grace teacher slipped up. Opened the wrong door. Made a poor choice and interrupted his life and family by being in an adulterous relationship. Now to some he is no longer worthy of being used by God. His witness is "tainted". His destiny is over. He disrupted God's plan for him. He is finished. Is this so?

 Religious tradition heartily says yes. Wrong. His worth is not found in his ability to perfectly keep God's standard of love and integrity. When God gave him the plan and destiny for his life don't you think God already knew he would make a mess of things? This is why we need grace, folks. Certainly, adultery is terrible and hurtful. This is not saying it is a good thing to hurt others because of grace. 

 I am saying this minister's worth isn't tied to his performance. God will restore and make things new and bring healing to all those affected. This is just one example of where our worth is found. Too many look to themselves for their worth. 

 Be honest. If our dutiful and diligent abilities is where our worth is found then how much is required? What is the standard? Meaning, just how much prayer time makes you worthy in God's sight? How much Bible reading and devotional time is enough? See how this "hamster wheel" Christianity came about? 

 It is never enough. I have sat through meetings where people cram an altar crying and pleading with God to forgive their lack of commitment. You aren't doing enough. You need to try harder. There is much more for you to do. You need to know more. You know God isn't pleased with you right now. You could be doing more if you would turn that TV off. You would have more time with God if you just got away from everyone. I've heard these concepts many times.

Our worth is found in His Finished Work

 Where is our true worth discovered? It is only in Christ work on that Cross. Too often I have heard it spoken "we are so unworthy". It is even taught when you pray or commune with God that we should say we are so unworthy. I hate religion and tradition. This lie is birthed from their misconceptions of God.

 Are we so unworthy? Standby as I write each passage from God's Word that declared we are so unworthy.

...

 Take note that I have written nothing. This is because their exists no such passage. We sometimes believe or accept things because someone who is more mature than us said so. That is not the basis for truth. It is not something we should place our foundation of trust in. 

 There is one passage that does prove our worth in Him.

 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.  Revelation 3:4-5

 This is a powerful passage. The Lord directed me to this passage once long ago. He taught me early on my worth was found in Him and the Finished Work. Of course religion kept muddying the waters with tradition and Law and performance based faith that I couldn't always see this beautiful truth until I received grace understanding.


 Here is some good news. The truth that Jesus took all our sins, and sickness and lack and old life and exchanged it with His righteousness, healing, and abundant life proves to us how much we are worth to God. He purchased our redemption and forever forgave us and gave us eternal life and security. We are remade worthy in Him.

 The above passage declared all God's Children are worthy. These victorious ones are all those who have received Him by faith. Therefore don't say that God alone is worthy. Now don't misunderstand me. It is correct to say He alone is worthy if you complete that thought with the truth that He alone is worthy to receive all praise and glory and honor. If you only say He alone is worthy then that is not completely accurate. Remember He made you worthy in the Finished Work.

 Don't seek your worth any longer in how well you can perform. In your ability to remain faithful. In your gifting and calling or vocation. It is not in your "looks" or your outward image. You are made worthy by the blood. Father God saw your infinite value when He paid the price by giving His Son for you. You are of much worth to Daddy God. Rest in who you really are. You are priceless.