Can you remember times in your life when you felt ashamed and unworthy to come to God? I want you to know that those feelings were never God’s will for you. When Adam and Eve sinned, through their lineage, they passed on to us two very destructive spiritual powers, condemnation, and fear. These two spiritual entities are alive and well today and haunt all those who live outside God’s grace. These entities produce lifestyles and habits that are at the center of the decay and destruction of humanity.

Romans 5:21  So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Fully trusting in God’s provision of righteousness through Jesus causes God’s grace(his undeserved and unearned favor and empowerment) and the power of his love to rule in us. Yes, trusting God’s grace enables the life-giving force of God’s nature to rule in our hearts and lives, making us conduits of heaven’s life and freedom to this world.

Sadly, many go to church every Sunday but have never yet truly experienced the grace of God. They continue down the same old road of trying to be good enough to deserve God. This is a terrible path that leads people far from the love of God! The works of God and the righteousness of God are only experienced by faith! Look at this scathing word apostle Paul wrote to the Galatian church.

Gal 3:1-5 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes, Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4 Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5 Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard? 

God passionately desires to release heaven’s life to others through you, but whether that happens or not comes down to what is ruling your life; self-righteousness or the grace of God. The old DIY way of living causes life to be a heavy burden because of condemnation and failure – but the new way of faith and subsequent right standing with God through Jesus Christ brings life and peace!

Colossians 3:15  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since, as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.

So the question is, will you be ruled by the DIY way of living or by the gracious gift of righteousness granted to you through Jesus Christ? Will you live the life of never feeling like you’re good enough and constantly feeling condemned, or will you live the life of God’s grace and peace?

Jesus was beaten, crucified, and rose again so that you can step into the reality of being perfect in God’s eyes outside of works. Oh, my dearest friend, it is time to go deeper into this truth! Don’t let this day slip without setting your heart and mind upon this powerful truth! With the humility of a little child, wholeheartedly receive the wonderful grace of God! Think about it – in your heart and mind...

What Rules?