I’m in Christ Jesus
By Susan Aken
“It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30
“You’re too hard on yourself.”
It wasn’t the first time someone said this to me. I have a tendency to beat myself up over my weaknesses. Selfishness is my default, and pride constantly rises up in me. God’s helping me see this is true of all humans. That’s one of the reasons Jesus came. He lived a perfect life and then gave us His perfection in exchange for our sins. We accept His gift by faith. Knowing Jesus personally, receiving His forgiveness, and living for Him comes through grace.
Because of God our Father, the One Who created us for His glory and loves us with an everlasting love, we can be in Christ. He created us for fellowship with Him, but sin separated us from His holiness leaving us lost and hopeless. Sin’s payment was death, and God paid for it by sending His Son, Christ Jesus, to die in our place. Jesus conquered death and rose again. Anyone who believes in Christ is His forever. Salvation doesn’t come from efforts on our part; it’s a gift granted upon belief. Since I can’t produce my own righteousness, I also can’t take credit for any good in me. It’s all Him. Our Father’s love places us in Christ Jesus where we’re:
Secure
Home
Loved
Held
Wanted
Rescued
Fully alive--forever.
Susan Aken is a homemaker, teacher, writer, and frequent contributor to Wholly Loved Ministries’ projects. She lives in Nebraska but was born and raised in Oklahoma. She and her husband have one son. Her greatest love is for the Lord Jesus Christ who has redeemed her and set her free. Susan enjoys reading, photography, spending time with family and friends, and writing. She has a heart for prayer ministry and loves her church. Visit her online at susanaken53.wordpress.com.
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