"I AM JUST A SINNER, SAVED BY GRACE"
TEXT:
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2nd Corinthians 5 verse 21, King James Version).
In Christendom, we find a whole lot of people who would oftentimes exhibit some misplaced or unfounded acts of humility. For instance, we have heard people assert erroneously, in an attempt at some form of humility, saying of themselves "I am just a sinner saved by grace".
Except if you cast a closer look at the statement "I am just a sinner saved by grace", you might be tempted to find no fault therewith. I have discovered that the reason why these people make such assertions is chiefly because they are sin-conscious. But the truth is that as a New Testament believer, you shouldn't be caught in the web of sin-consciousness.
Our Scripture reading for today tells us that God had made His Son, Jesus to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Under the New Testament dispensation therefore, the issue of sin has been completely and forever dealt with by Christ's atoning Sacrifice. This is what the Old Testament sacrifices couldn't do. Had they made the people perfect, they wouldn't have had to be offered over and over again. If they had worked, the worshipers— once purged—should have had no more remembrance or conscience of sins! (See Hebrews 10 verses 1 to 3).
There's something about the New Testament believer in Christ. Following the truth of God's Word, the New Testament believer abides in the threshold of righteousness, one that is completely devoid of sin-consciousness. Christ's Blood completely purges our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience. (See Hebrews 10 verse 22). In Christ, there's the certain reality that your spirit man has been sanctified and perfected forever. Indeed, if any man is in Christ Jesus, he is a new creation (2nd Corinthians 5 verse 17).
The true position is that God doesn't see us as sinners. Rather, as Christ dwellers, He sees our born-again spirits and is well pleased with us. This calls for us to stop seeing ourselves from the perspective of the past and especially from the realm of the physical. If you focus your thoughts on who you are in the spirit, you'll be conscious of righteousness, and that's who you really are.
Therefore, this old phrase "I'm just a sinner, saved by grace" isn't true at all! Maybe the right thing to say is, "I was a sinner saved by grace." Should you consider yourself a sinner, then you need to be born again. If you were truly "saved by grace", then you are no longer a sinner. Your spirit man has been recreated in righteousness and true holiness and it cannot sin. Neither can it be penetrated by sin in your body or soul because of the Holy Spirit seal (See Ephesians 1 verses 13 to 14 and 2nd Corinthians 1 verse 22)
Stop approaching God with the attitude or mindset of sinfulness, but rather, in boldness, draw near to Him as God's righteousness in Christ Jesus (See Hebrews 10 verse 22 and 2nd Corinthians 5 verse 21).
Glory to God for what He has accomplished for us in Christ Jesus, amen.
PRAYER:
Father, thank You that in Christ I am a new creation and through Him, I have the boldness to enter right into Your very throne of grace because You have made me righteous! Praise the Lord!