Minister’s Corner: What really happened when you were saved?

We all need to remember, and remember often, that our salvation is the result of the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. He came into this world, lived a perfect, sinless life and was arrested, beaten, abandoned and crucified with criminals. While He was owned across, somehow, supernaturally, the sins of the world were placed upon Him. God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, according to 2 Corinthians 5:21. At that moment, our sins, all of them, were placed upon Jesus. He paid the price for you and for me. We deserve punishment and death, but He paid it. Moments before He died, He said, “It is finished.” This phrase means, literally, paid in full. As far as God is concerned, your sins are paid for. The punishment has been met. Jesus did it all. There is nothing you can do to add to His work. It is complete. It is finished.
Have you ever worked for someone who would take your work and punch it up a little before submitting it? That person might say, “What you gave me was okay, I guess, but I had to punch it up some; now I think it is pretty good.” I have worked for someone like that in the past. The problem is that we often applied my old boss’ attitude to the Christian life. We say, in effect, Jesus’ death on the cross was good, but I need to add to it my own good works and my own righteousness in order for it to be truly effective.” That’s not how it works. Jesus paid it all. You need to remind yourself on a daily basis that you belong to God, not because you are good, but because He is good. Now, He wants to make you good. There is no question about that. He wants you to be holy, and, by his strength, someday you will be. But forever the basis of your relationship with Him is not your superstar qualities, it is His amazing love and unending mercy. Remind yourself of what really happened at your salvation.