The finished work of Jesus has completely resolved the sin problem. When we come to Christ, we are no longer separated from God; now we are indwelt by Him. When we step out of sin and the sinner’s way of thinking, we step into God’s blessing.
Colossians 2:9-10 tells us the result of our redemption: “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power” (NKJV).
In Colossians 1:12, we see further what redemption has done for us: “Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light” (NKJV).
God has not only made us complete in Him, but He has also qualified us to partake of all the inheritance He has provided for any of His people. What He has done for one, He has done for all!
Our part is to believe we receive. Abraham was counted righteous because he believed (Galatians 3:6). Jesus told Jairus, “…Do not be afraid, only believe…” (Luke 8:50).
Notice what Jesus said in John 5:17: “…My Father has been working until now, and I have been working” (NKJV). During Jesus’ earthly ministry, we see that He was restoring to us what sin had stolen from us. He and His Father were continually at work to forever establish the plan of redemption.
Although God rested on the seventh day of creation, He didn’t rest for long. Once sin entered Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden, God went back to work, working His plan until Jesus finished the work. As a result, Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the Father, and we are seated with Him, having entered His finished work by believing.
When we accept the idea that we have to do enough to become worthy of Jesus’ finished work, we put faith in ourselves above Him. But the truth is, we are forgiven; sin is no longer imputed. Our repentance doesn’t cause God to forgive us; it brings His forgiveness, freedom, and power into our lives.
With all the work being done by Jesus, what must we do? Does this mean we can do nothing at all and still enjoy the fullness of His blessing?
If we miss this next point, we will miss it all!
Faith and believing are not passive in nature, but instead active and alive. God has given all of us specific assignments and callings. Every one of us is assigned to active duty. We don’t fulfill our divine assignments to obtain a right place or blessing from God; rather, we do so to reveal the blessing and righteousness that is already ours. God wants His righteousness and His goodness to be seen by people as we reflect His nature in our lives.
The more we receive a revelation of that truth, the more we will rest in God as we fulfill His assignments and plans. We cannot attain what Jesus did for us by what we do. We can only receive what’s been done for us by faith. Only then can we possess our promised land as we rest in God’s great love and provision for us!
