We’re Free to Celebrate Because of the Cross
By Faye Lentine.
You know those days when everything seems a little too messy? When
everything you touch seems to explode? When you catch a glimpse of
your reflection and can’t help but cry inside? When it seems like
you failed yet another day?. .
Maybe for you, a day like that comes around now and then.
But if you’re anything like me, maybe that day seems like every day.
We all have moments when we feel worthless, and can’t help but
wonder why celebrate this life at all?. .
That is the exact lie the enemy loves to use on God’s
children. He is subtle and charming, and before you know it, you’re
living his lies. The funny thing is, Romans 8:1 tells us the exact
opposite of what Satan tries to make us believe. Paul wrote, “There
is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”.
.
The day Jesus died, so did all our condemnation—all our
worthlessness and shame. Those three simple words (It. Is.
Finished.) obliterated all the lies we may ever allow the enemy to
tell us. When Jesus rose, so did we (his children)—pure, holy, and
unashamed. This is the immediate inheritance we’re given when God
welcomes us into his family. We are given the identity of Jesus
Christ himself.. .
I am pure, holy, and unashamed because Jesus is pure, holy,
and unashamed.. .
When God called me into His family, I was (and still am) set
free from all sin. I am now more than a conqueror through Him who
loved me (Romans 8:37). I am no longer a slave. I am free. This
freedom, and this price that Christ has paid, is reason enough to
celebrate and to shout my freedom anthem from the mountains for all
to hear!. .
In her book, You are Free: Be Who You Already Are, Rebekah
Lyons wrote, “One day I told Jesus I felt like my brokenness was too
great. Maybe I’d thwart his plans for my life. Instantly I heard,
‘What if your purpose is for Me to love you?’ What could I say to
that? No performing, no achievement, no amount of devoted effort can
earn the love of Christ. It is an unconditional healing balm, a
freeing balm.”. .
Oftentimes, the days I feel like I’m not enough (and usually
in a puddle of tears), my mom always quotes the lyrics of MercyMe’s
song, Dear Younger Me:. .
You are holy. .
You are righteous. .
You are one of the redeemed. .
Set apart. .
A brand-new heart. .
You are free indeed. .
These words, typed out, seem simple. Yet, it’s so easy to
forget them and neglect our identity in Christ. We are swayed by
every wind of doctrine. Before we know what hit us, we’re bound in
the very chains we’ve been freed from. We no longer shamelessly
celebrate. Instead, we throw ourselves a pity party. It’s in these
moments we need Christ most.. .
Fall on your knees, confess to the One who loves you most.
Tell him that you’re stuck in chains and want to be freed. Praise
him for who he created you to be. The days I remember to fall on my
knees before the throne of grace and recite God’s truths before him,
I begin to believe and live those truths instead of the enemy’s
lies.. .
Easter is only days away. This year, let’s remember that it
is completely finished. We can truly celebrate the Risen Christ this
Easter. And the day after. And a year from now. The same God who
rose from the dead is living in you and has given you his life and
inheritance.. .
Alone, you are broken. In Christ, you are perfected. Let’s
celebrate this truth today and forever.. .
By his wounds we are healed.. .
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a
people for [God’s] own possession, that you may proclaim the
excellencies for him who called you out of darkness into his
marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s
people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have mercy.” -1
Peter 2:9-10. .
Faye Lentine is a homeschool graduate, college freshman, and
editor for TheRebelution. She is an avid dog lover, amateur
photographer, growing artist, and writer. Faye loves sharing the
good news of the gospel through writing. You can follow her blog at
www.createinmeblogger.wordpress.com
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