God is for us!

Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. We read in this verse the goal of Jesus’ mission on earth—to perfect all those whom the Father gave to Him once and for all time through the offering of Himself to die in their stead. Let’s talk about the encouragements we have to live to love found in this verse today.  First, one offering. You and I have nothing to offer God that could merit God’s favor and love. God knew we were helpless and hopeless. All praise to God, who is righteous, merciful, and gracious.  Second, He has perfected us. All that God requires of us, He has provided for us in Christ. In love, Jesus has made us perfect and presented us to His Father. The work is done. There’s nothing we can add to His work. Stand in awe of the beauty and loveliness of Jesus’ work. Third, He perfected us for all time. God knew that we could not right ourselves if we just had more time. Let us not live under the delusion that with time, we can improve ourselves or do something that brings God pleasure so as to merit entrance into heaven when we die. Most people think good people go to heaven, which is partially true. Only good people, perfect people, go to heaven. The reality is that none of us is good. Jesus’ offering made us good, made us perfect, so we have an eternal hope and access to heaven now through Him. Fourth, Jesus’ offering wasn’t for everyone; it was only for those who are sanctified. Who are the sanctified? Jesus identified them in His prayer recorded in John 17:2. “Even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.” So the sanctified are those set apart from the world and given to Jesus by the Father. Romans 8:29-31 reveals this amazing work of God on behalf of those He sanctified.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? How do you know if you have been sanctified, set apart for Jesus to perfect? How do you know God is for you? There is a day of power when God extends the righteous scepter toward you. Your sanctification is revealed to you in the day He sends the Holy Spirit into your heart, and you believe in Jesus’ offering as your only hope of salvation and access to God. As Paul wrote to the Romans in 1:17. The power of the gospel is for all who believe. "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.'" This concept of sanctification is conveyed in John 14:20. “In that day [the day the Holy Spirit is sent into your heart], you will know that I am in the Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” The Spirit’s presence in you means you are sanctified and perfected by Jesus’ offering once and for all time.  How do you know that the Spirit dwells in you? You receive and see Jesus’ faith and love in your life. That’s living to love with Jesus. So what shall we say to these things? God is for us! Isn’t that encouraging?!