Because of God you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God. In Jesus we are put right with God, and have been made holy, and have been set free from sin. – 1 Corinthians 1:30
- The message of this verse is clear, simple and possibly familiar. It describes that we can be both forgiven and made holy by Jesus.
- Despite the simplicity this is a profound and unfathomably deep truth. Daily we need the Spirit of Jesus (The Holy Spirit) to reveal the unsearchable things of God
- The NLT translation ‘Jesus made us pure & holy’. The statement is very strong. The message is replicated in many other bible verses. For example;
Now I am right with God, not because I followed the law, but because I believed in Christ. God uses my faith to make me right with Him – Philippians 3:9
Reflect
Some personal reflections;
Now I am right with God – This is both individual & personal, but seems ridiculous considering the ‘two people’ in this relationship?
- Almighty God, King of Kings, Creator of everything. His love unmeasurable, holiness infinite, perfect in everyway
- Me – everyday imperfect in so many ways. Like the bible summarises ‘all people are the same and not good enough for God’s glory’ (Romans 3:22)
So why does this biblical statement say I am right with God? Maybe it is describing when we get to heaven? But the verse is written in the present tense i.e. today?
Not because I followed the law, but because I believed in Jesus. God uses my faith to make me right with Him.
- I have done nothing in life that could make me right with God.
- Because of Jesus, God’s great power can use our faith in a miraculous way. By believing & trusting in Jesus (faith) God makes us right with himself. Your standing with God is changed. You are a new creation. You are not what you were.
- Because of Jesus we have changed state. “I was put to death on the cross with Jesus and I do not live anymore – it is Jesus who lives in me. I still live in my body, but I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself to save me”. Galatians 2:2
In Jesus we are put right with God, and have been made holy.
You did not save yourself. Our boast is in God. I love the underlying sentiment “I did nothing, I just got lucky”.
Today there is still an ongoing tension; What I’m still like v. What is not yet achieved. But there is no contradiction. Our bond ‘in Jesus’ is infinitely stronger.
Today is a good day. Now I am right with God.
Pray
Father, I am amazed by this incredible truth that we have been made right with you in Jesus. I know my own efforts will never achieve the standing with you that my heart longs for. Please help me today to turn from promoting myself. May I instead be found in Jesus and know this is my security, identity and status. Amen.
