Thursday, December 25, 2008

Celebrating The Birth Of True Righteousness



...Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised (righteousness or right-standing with God), being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.


What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

...
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

-From The New International Version of Paul's Letter to the Galatians (3:22-4:7, 5:16-18)




May our Holy Gracious Heavenly Father continue to make us yearn for His Righteousness to be manifested more and more, in the lives that He has given us.

May those
around us witness His Almighty hand transforming us and declare, "God is GOOD!"

May His Holy Spirit move in
their lives just as He moves in ours, causing us all to desire Jesus above all else... and to truly celebrate Christmas throughout forever.

In Christ's name we pray. Amen.