Remember where the Lord is – where the Holy Spirit is, there is freedom (2 Cor 3,17)
Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that he died and arose from the dead for your sins, so that you are forgiven? Do you know that this faith gives eternal life in heaven? (John 6,40)
In Danish, the word for “salvation” is “frelse”. It comes from “fri hals”, which means “free neck.” So to be saved is that Jesus removes the chain from your neck. You were a prisoner and a slave of your sins and fear, but Jesus set you free when he, who is without sin, took the penalty you deserved (Gen 2,17) and died in your place. With his blood He paid the price for your life and freedom. You were guilty, you didn’t deserve to be set free, but he had mercy on you and saved you by grace. He saved you because he loves you:
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5,8)
Maybe it’s many years ago you got your faith in Jesus. Maybe you’re 60, but you’re still a child. Do you believe in Jesus, then you’re God’s child (John 1,12-13).
You are God’s beloved child. He has always known you and loved you since you lied in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139,1-6 and v. 16-18).
Did you know that when you believe in Jesus, the Spirit of God lives in you? You are a temple for the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3,16)
The Holy Spirit is not a spirit of the world. He is not a spirit of fear and slavery. He gives you freedom where you’re bound to Jesus in love (it’s like a marriage), and He is the spirit of adoption. He testifies that you are a child of God:
“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” (Rom 8,15-16)
You are a child of God, and you’re dependent of Him. He takes care of you and carry you; he leads you to the right paths and gives you rest and strength. He knows what you need and will give it to you in the right timing according to his will (psalm 23). He calls you by your name (John 10).
Father, we give thanks for your goodness and faithfulness. You are our good shepherd. We thank you for your salvation. We don’t want to “be children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” (Eph 4,14) We want to grow up to your son, Jesus Christ. We want to remain in your Word and follow you, Jesus. If we are separated from you, we can’t do anything (John 15,5). We don’t want to listen to any lies. We want to listen to your voice. Your voice is a voice of truth, love and life.
Amen
