There’s a teaching that has gone around for decades, and I think it’s time we address it.
While half of it is completely true, the other half is a lie.
“I’m a new creation. Jesus has already won. I have victory in Christ, so I don’t need to pray. I don’t need to fight. I just need to rest in what Jesus has already done.”
Lol… dey play. 😂
When you give your life to Christ, you are a new creation. The old has gone; the new has come and Jesus’ finished work on the cross is complete. There is nothing you can do to add to it, improve it, or make your salvation more secure.
But sometimes we stop at verses 8 and 9 of Ephesians 2 and completely overlook verse 10.
Paul says in Ephesians 2: 8 -9, NLT :
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
But then he continues in verse 10
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
You are saved by grace, not works, however you are created for good works. You don’t do these things to earn salvation, you do them because you have been called to good works.
So there is a “doing”;
You will pray.
You will read your Bible.
You will preach the gospel.
You will intentionally cultivate your relationship with God.
You will serve people.
You will give to those in need.
You will love people.
You will resists the devil.
You will pursue justice.
You will use the gifts God has given you to bring Him glory.
And this is where I think we’ve sometimes confused resting in Christ with passivity.
Yes, Jesus has given you victory, but you must resist the devil.
Yes, you have authority in Christ, but you must exercise that authority.
Your sanctification and the day-to-day process of becoming more like Christ, renewing your mind, resisting sin, walking in obedience, and learning to live in the freedom Jesus purchased for you, is something you actively have to participate in.
And this is exactly what struck me in my conversation with Meghan McComb.
Meghan said:
“The moment you become a Christian, you get a target on your back.”
“The enemy can’t take your salvation from you.”
“So what does he try to attack?”
“Your peace.
Your identity.
Your obedience.
Your confidence in God.”
“One lie at a time.”
Meghan began practising witchcraft in Grade 6, and although she gave her life to Christ at 14, the fear, nightmares, and tormenting dreams continued. They did not simply disappear when she became a Christian and it wasn’t until she took a stand against the enemy and began exercising her authority in Christ that she experienced freedom from them.
Her testimony became The Rose in the Fire series: Book One: Lies and Deception and Book Two: The Rose From The Tower and it is a powerful reminder that you can rest in the finished work of Christ and still stay dressed for battle.
As usual, I look forward to your feedback and comments.
Thanks for listening and supporting the podcast.
With love,
Mo
So good