“[Righteousness] will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” Romans 4:24-5:9
“Through him we have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” Ephesians 2:18-21
There is much attaining for the believer in Christ. Because of His grace and gift of Self at Calvary, those justified by faith are counted as righteous and given sure hope of glory, power to endure, and the Spirit’s indwelling and pledge of sanctification. Full access to God the Father, Christ’s throne and blessings, and the family of God is immediately available. Paul richly describes the bounty afforded every believer, his words inviting full participation and partaking. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
In and out, across and through, daily we carry on as citizens of heaven in the world. We push and press to make our way, open doors, and cross thresholds, when our real challenge is to take advantage of our access to the Lord as we manage life here below. How can we apply in present situations the gifts He has attained for us by His sovereign will?
It’s important to take inventory of what Christ has won and made available, and allow each facet to soak in. The further we delve into His spiritual blessings and the more often we approach and submit before His throne of grace, the greater the unfolding of His infinite attributes, the richer our communion with the Savior. Reciting and thanking Him for His graces and favor serves to focus our minds on Him. (Ephesians 1:3-14)
Do we struggle with identity as seasons of usefulness and health change? We are His children, heirs of glory, chosen and predestined to bear His holy image! Are we pestered by shame, dark reruns of foolish, regrettable behavior? We are redeemed, forgiven, lavished with cleansing and grace! Do we wrestle with significance, a purpose or legacy that will outlive us? We’re a vital part of His mysterious will and Body, contributing to His renown!
Lord, keep folding me into the counsel of Your will that I freely access Your gifts and graces to the praise of Your glory.
As the rain and snow 