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Some Totally Astounding Changes Have Taken Place

It is unlikely any of us can even begin to imagine the scope of the changes that have taken place in our lives when we received Christ as Savior. Our situation is complicated by the fact that we cannot observe and quantify these changes in our present human condition; although these changes are absolutely certain and sure there is no way to measure them at this time.

Just as the glory and the eternal divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ was concealed at His First Advent it has pleased the Father that our changes too are hidden from view. In general appearance there is no way to determine that something profound has happened to us. I have written more on this in a series of four essays starting with The Concealment of Christ.

As Christians we have been permanently indwelt by God, the Holy Spirit; the eternal Spirit of God has taken up residence in our bodies and will never leave us. A process of change has begun that will ultimately result in our being conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ; we will have an unmistakable family resemblance which will leave no doubt about our belonging to God’s family. We are told in Romans 8:29 where it is written:

“²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

I think that is a gloriously wonderful and exciting promise!

More Reasons to Rejoice

This process of conformation is off to a very fast start; God, the Holy Spirit is now a permanent part of our lives! How often does this thought overwhelm you; how often do you rejoice in this matchless gift of God’s love?

Another reason to rejoice is our permanent place in God’s family as beloved children of the Creator of the Universe; our heavenly Father is now our Daddy! One who knows us perfectly and still loves each of us as beloved children! This relationship between loving Father and child is mentioned in Romans 8:15-17 where it is written:

“¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

Simply reading many translations will not reveal the special nature of the word Abba; it is only in the lexicon we find clarification of the message being communicated to us:

 Abbá – “Father,” also used as the term of tender endearment by a beloved child – i.e. in an affectionate, dependent relationship with their father; “daddy,” “papa.”

The Problem

It is all too easy to think in terms of what we deserve as Christians; after all we know our flaws and shortcomings all too well; memories can disturb our joy and peace with ugly thoughts of past misbehavior. This is probably one of Satan’s favorite attack strategies on the Christian life and walk; thoughts of what we have done and what we deserve for having done it.

Our sin nature is quick to remind us we don’t deserve to be saved much less to think of God, the Father, as Daddy; we’re simply much too bad to think we can get away with that. This line of thought plays directly into Satan’s strategy of attack in the spiritual war in which we fight as soldiers. Of course we don’t deserve any of this; all we receive is a gift, given to us based on what Christ has done, not what we have or have not done.

When the Father, our heavenly Daddy, looks at us all He sees is the shed blood of Christ; by grace we have been covered by the righteousness of Christ; our sins have been removed from us as far as the east is from the west!

The Solution

Just before Christ died on the cross he said, “It is finished!” and it was truly finished indeed. Personal sin was no longer the issue; it had all been paid for by the blood of Christ; now the only remaining issue was to receive the salvation offered by believing in Jesus Christ as Savior. Once that decision was made then each of us were given the responsibility of learning and following the commands the Lord had given to us.

One of these commands was to rejoice in Him always as described in Philippians 4:4-9 where it is written:

“⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Your Daddy wants the very best for you; let Him see how much you love Him and appreciate all He has done for you!

Brothers and Sisters, we have some Exciting Times Ahead!

 Where the Beautiful Bluebonnets Grow