It is ingrained in us from an early age, “Behave in a certain way or you’ll not be loved.” Your worth or value is determined by your performance. Certain people in school are given exceptions and privileges because of how they perform on the football field or the basketball court. Even in church the message is, “Live up to the standard or God won’t love you.” That is why I find the Gospel so appealing. The message of God’s love and grace comforts, encourages and inspires. I’m not loved or valued because of my performance. God does not love me because I make the grade but because of Christ!
Christ fulfilled the law of God perfectly. He satisfied every righteous demand. By my faith in Him I am clothed with His righteousness. I am in Christ and thus loved by the Father. That love is fixed, settled, and unchanging. The Father now loves me just as He has loved Christ. I do not have to earn God’s love it is mine because of Christ. I can rest in that. I am called to dwell, abide, and be at home in the love of God. Now that does not mean I quit striving for holiness. It does not mean that I do not need to obey. It means my motivation is different. I do not obey in order to be loved but I obey because I am loved. I want to demonstrate my love out of profound gratitude. I do not want to betray such love. Love is far more demanding that law. Now that I’m loved I’m driven to even greater obedience.
I hope to see you and your family as we gather for Bible study and worship this coming Lord’s Day.
Rod