For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy." Hebrews 10:10, 14
On the cross Jesus said "it's finished."
Christians are in every respect - relationally, spiritually, supernaturally, metaphysically - forever perfected. We are new creations. Theologians call this salvation. The original-sin-debt that you and I had passed on to us based on our humanity is all paid off. We're no longer under the curse. We have eternal life.
After this happens God begins the process of setting us apart for Him. This is called making us holy. It engages every aspect of our being, our thoughts, and our actions. Theologians call this "sanctification."
Here's an easier way to think of this.
As Christians God adopts us as His children. At an adoption agency there is a moment when the judge bangs his gavel or signs the adoption order. At that moment the adoption is final. There's no process. It's a decision. An event. Jesus tells us to call Him Abba, which means "Dad."
Now comes life with our new Father. We follow Him around, get disciplined by Him, learn from Him, have our needs supplied by Him. He encourages us to live up to His expectations and His personal example. He wants us to talk to Him, listen to Him, and read what He's told other folks about Himself. We start learning how to get along with and take care of other members of the family. We start being better stewards of the things He gives us, including the planet. Day by day we become so much like Him that eventually nobody can tell we came from an orphanage. We reflect Him completely.
Too many of you - God's adopted children - are still living like orphans.
Don't let that be you today.
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