In him (Christ), the relation of our nature unto God is eternally secured – John Owen

In one sentence, there is peace for all Christians who believe and hope in Jesus Christ for salvation.  You sin is not a matter of your doing, but of your being.

You were created in the image of God, without sin, to be in perfect relationship with the source of all joy, love, and good – the living God.  That nature was defiled by sin, and now our nature is broken.  But God, being rich in mercy, looked on our pitiful state, and humbled himself to take on our flesh, took the punishment for our sin on the cross, and died in our place.  Upon death, Jesus fulfilled his task in faith,“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.”  Death could not hold him.  The wages of sin is death, but the sin has been atoned for by the perfect righteousness of Christ.  As Jesus was risen, all of us who are in Christ, will rise eternally to live with God.

Christian, if you are like me, you are tempted in good ways and bad to set your eyes on the things around you.  You are tempted to listen to the voice of our enemy that would accuse you because of your sin.  My exhortation today is not to tell you to read your Bible more, or pray more, or get around Christians for encouragement more – all of these are good things, but apart from seeing and savoring the glory of God in the gospel of Jesus, they can be as much a means to send a soul to hell as licentiousness.

Colossians 3 – “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

My exhortation is this – settle it in your heart our Lord Jesus Christ is sufficient to save, and trust in Him.  Trusting in Him, keep looking to Him, to search the depths of who God is, and who He is for you.  Pray that the Lord unites your heart to His, that He gives your weak eyes strength to see His glory in ever-increasing measure, that he opens your ears to Truth that will free you from bondage to sin that entangles, and give peace to your soul.

Day to day, we are not promised an easy life as a Christian.  In fact, God warns us that life will be harder as a Christian, but let the world know us by our love, peace, and joy – that when they ask us why we are happy in spite of trouble, we can joyfully speak of our King and Savior, Jesus.  He is a treasure beyond anything the world could ever offer, and it can never be taken away.