By Pastor Jon

Well, at least, I’d like to think this will be helpful!

I realise these concepts may be new for many, and even when they are not, it takes a good time in the saddle to work these appropriately. Just before we begin, you should read yesterday’s piece as a conduit, which will further assist – HERE.

Therefore, in the following, I have decided to provide a singular contrast to illustrate the difference as a starting point. Emphasis on starting point, because there is still a flow-on fleshly reality, even when the starting point is correct.

Here is singular contrast:

Identity vs Reality
Saint vs Sinner

Saint is now a Christian’s closed identity they need to increasingly realise, and live out with greater integrative application, into reality.

This is why the line – Be Who You Are – makes perfect sense.

Be – as in right in any now.

Who You Are – which means, the new identity God, in Christ, has gifted in justification as your real present position; or, the transformation that took place when you were born again, and then, continues through the process of sanctification, where you are practically and progressively made more like Christ; or, more reflective of your position.

Sinner is still a Christian’s remaining reality, but not identity, which a Christian is compelled to increasingly reject, refute, and deny, because this contradicts their closed and completed identity, in Christ.

Do you see the difference?

In other words, for the Christian, think of sin as what you eat. People like to say, “You are what you eat!” As a Christian, you are what Christ ate. Biblically speaking, sin does impact the family dynamic between You and God, but this is forever family. Sin can not alter this family dynamic. Once God is your Abba, He stays that way. Christ’s sacrifice is just too darn sufficient for the children’s sinful tantrums. You are His child. Period!

Too many don’t grasp this distinction in how they conceive of life in the real-time. One deals with an outside-to-inside situation. The other is all about inside.

If you make the reality (Sinner) your identity (Saint), you will go from being saved to lost, and at a moment’s whim. One bad day, and you are more than in the dog-box. Maybe this is how you live the Christian life, and you have been confused about why this Yo-Yo keeps happening.

Unfortunately, too many inside the Church don’t grasp all that has happened when they were born again, and intuit like their record is definitive in God’s dealing. This is why getting what you deserve is really not biblical. A Christian actually gets what Christ earned, and what He deserved. He took our just consequences on the Cross, in His flesh.

This then frees you to magnify the love, mercy, and grace of God like one eternally on the receiving hand from the one true God.

God responds to us as a result of Christ’s record, imputed to our account, now our very own!

Amazing Grace.

Hallelujah!

This is Relovutionary!

For the Fame of His Name