“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13–14, NIV)

Who made you alive? “God made you alive with Christ.” You have been born again by the power of the living God whose Spirit rides upon His Word. You and I are like the dry bones in Ezekiel 37, made alive by the proclamation of the Word and the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. What made this possible? Jesus’ death on the cross. Note that Paul reminds us that all this occurred while we were still dead in our sins. In Romans chapter 5 Paul said that “God demonstrated His great love for us that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” All that separated us from God was removed from us as it was nailed to the cross.”

This is the grace of God — that He unilaterally and unconditionally loves us. His love for us is not based in our goodness or worthiness. It is based solely on His goodness, grace, and mercy. When it comes to our salvation, it is not about us, it is all about Him. It is His work of redemption. It is His covenant. It is His promise. It is the cross of Jesus Christ that removes all the brokenness that stands between us and the heavenly Father.

We are forgiven! Our sins have been forgotten! When God looks down at us, He sees saints who were washed by the blood of the Lamb. May we live in that forgiveness each and every day of our lives.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church