The words of that old hymn Jesus Paid It All went through my mind today...
And now complete in Him,
My robe, His righteousness,
Close sheltered ’neath His side,
I am divinely blest.
- Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
This truth brings wonderful rest into my life and the lives of those saved by grace through faith. No more working to satisfy a debt I cannot pay, no more fear of condemnation and wrath, no more attempting to "please" God by my own works.
"It is finished!" John 19:30
When Jesus uttered those words the work of our redemption was complete. There was nothing left to do to atone for our sin, there was nothing left out, He didn't fall short of the goal, it was a total completed work of sacrificial atonement on our behalf.
This frees you and me from trying to work to earn God's approval and our salvation. It frees us from the fear of displeasing God because in Christ we are always pleasing to Him. What joy and relief to know that the works I do as a Christian are not counted toward my worthiness to be called His child! To be confident that I am safe and secure in His family here on earth and in the heavenlies is more blessing than I can articulate.
Can you say this is true about you, or are you still working to earn the favor of God? Have you accepted that without Christ you are dead in your transgressions and sins (Ephesians 2), and that the only way to find peace with God is through Jesus Christ? I pray you are found by Him!
Resting in Christ doesn't mean doing nothing, it means working for the rest of your earthly life. It means living a life of sacrifice on behalf of others, serving others, caring for others, teaching and helping others if God has equipped you for those tasks. The motive is no longer fear of not measuring up, the motive is to bring glory to God! The motive is to do something to impact the world for Jesus' sake, to live a life that says, "Thank You" to God.
Christian, if you don't already serve, make it your goal in this new year to find a place to serve your local church. If you still have time left over then make an outreach into a dark place you can consistently be a light and bring the Light. Make this the year you live the "Thank You" life.