THANKFUL

Friday, December 20, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.  

Thank you, Lord, that I don’t have to worry if I’ve done enough good to earn a spot in heaven. Once I came to you in repentance, your Holy Spirit moved into my heart, guaranteeing I’ll be with you forever. It’s by your grace, as imperfect as I am, I enjoy a relationship with you since my fate is never a cliffhanger.

How sad that many Christ-followers have “cliffhanger salvation.” They’ve missed the simplicity of the Gospel. Their cliffhanger “religion” drives them to perform certain behaviors, avoid activities that have been declared sinful by religious ruling bodies, or deny themselves blessings to appear more devout to their religious peers. Their misguided doctrine causes them to believe that your grace is not enough for their salvation. They cannot break a rule, but must live a perfect life, or they will lose their salvation. They’re hanging by their fingertips over the precipice, worrying Have I done enough good to get into heaven? That is truly a sad way to live. Jesus, you just want to hang out with your imperfect people who have trusted you.

Cliffhanger salvation robs Christ-followers of peace with God and the peace of God. The apostle Paul boasted how he went to great extremes to keep all the strict rules to show God how pious he was. However, when he met Jesus, he realized his rule-keeping, no matter how noble it may have been, were just barnyard droppings to God. His works could never save him. Only by faith in Christ’s sacrifice for his sins saved Paul (Ephesians 2:8-9). Lord, reveal the depths of your grace to keep us from cliffhanger religion.

May your grace be enough for our dear friends and family trusting you in their illnesses and afflictions. Your Spirit sustains them in their darkest hours, when the pains of rehab seem unbearable, or the light cannot be seen at the end of the tunnel. May your presence give them peace and the assurance you are holding them.

Living in the simplicity of your Gospel, Jesus. Amen.