Grace - Will You Believe Heavenly Things???

Most Christians define themselves in terms of what they are not, rather in terms of who they are in Christ.  The faith-speech I hear most often from a Christian is that which defines them in terms of sin:

"I haven't committed that habitual sin of mine in the last couple days, so I'm good."  That's about as positive as it gets, folks.

But, it does get worse.  I hear all the time:  "I'm a bad Christian because I keep sinning."  So, the life of the Christian becomes a matter of defining their reality and identity in terms of the absence or presence of sin.  How sad; you just can't win, because even if you're doing well, collapse is on the horizon and is imminent.

What I rarely, RARELY hear is a Christian who talks in terms of their UNION with Christ.  His holiness is their holiness.  His authority is their authority.  His righteousness is their righteousness.  His death to sin and temptation is their death.  His life is their life, etc.

Study and find the scriptures that speak of your union with Christ for yourself.  How about Romans 5 and 6, for example?Once you understand that you are loved and accepted, completely forgiven, completely made whole, and united with Christ's Life, avoiding sin and doing good will be a distant memory and you will experience the freedom you've always longed for.

But there is one warning!:

You can only live this type of life by faith.

Consider the following passages that speak of believing in a reality greater than what you can see.  Otherwise, you won't be able to believe that you truly are united with Christ.  And where are you united with Him?  On the throne, in Heaven.  It's done.  It's true.  You in Jesus, and Jesus and you on the throne.  Co-heirs.  Believe it and accept it!

"If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?"  John 3:12 (NASB)

"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory."  Col. 3:1-4

"But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth."  Eph. 4:20-24

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus."  1 Tim. 1:12-14

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." Gal. 2:20-21

Will you choose to believe what the word of God clearly says about you?  If you will dive into this amazing truth, nothing will be impossible for you--even to experience life free from temptation and sin.

Grace=Peace,

Jeremy