Preach the Gospel to Yourself

Last week we spoke about blessing. One of the main points was that the life of blessing was purchased in full by the death of Jesus Christ. Adam and Eve deserved the curse of death. Israel inherited the curses. All humanity has deserved nothing except curses. But “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Gal. 3:13). This is tremendous news. But that’s not all. Christ did this “so that in Christ the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles” (3:14). Christ was cursed so that we might be blessed.

Now, those who are united by faith to Jesus Christ are “blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1:3). Our blessing includes justification (we’re made righteous), adoption (we’re made God’s children), and glorification (we’ll be made like Jesus). We have an inheritance waiting for us (1 Pet. 1:4). We are infinitely rich, completely secure, totally safe. In Christ, God harnesses all creation for his glory and our good (Rom. 8:28). For the next five minutes, five months, five millenia-- and throughout all the endless ages-- God will be working for your eternal happiness.

Do you see how practical this is? Do you see how this soaring doctrine connects to your daily life? Isn’t it refreshing that right now you live in the immeasurable grace of God? Isn’t it great to know that this moment, you’re in the middle of omnipotent love and constant care? Shouldn’t we rejoice that every inconvenient red light, every unforeseen accident, every unfortunate job change, every tense relationship, is ruled and governed by God’s almighty love toward you? Right now, this very second, God is actively doing everything in his omnipotent power to lead you into everlasting joy. What more could you ask for?

Preach the gospel to yourself everyday. Remember who you were. Remember what God has done for you in Christ. Remind yourself of the eternal blessings that are yours. Remember who you are, what you’re doing here, and where you’re going. We all must master the gospel.

This week, let’s pray alongside Paul that we as a church would “have the strength to understand with all the saints what is the breadth and the length and the height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that [we] may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:18-19).