Living By Faith

RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN CHRIST

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Being righteous means you are accepted by God, have right standing with God, and are pleasing to Him.
Mark Hankins

In most churches, you wouldn’t have any trouble telling people, “Jesus died on the cross for you.” But they doubt the second half of that verse: “That we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Being righteous means that you are accepted by God, have right standing with God, and are pleasing to Him. This gives you confidence in prayer and in facing the adversary, the accuser of the brethren.

The Bible says you are an heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus Christ. When you are born again, a spiritual deposit is made in you. We have talked about some of these deposits: wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. The Apostle Paul begins all his letters by stating what God has done for you in Christ. After he declares what God has done for you in Christ, he declares who you are in Christ and what to do about it!

Confession: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)

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THE WORKMANSHIP OF GOD

The old condition has passed away; a new condition has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 Williams)

God would not make an unrighteous new creature because He already had an unrighteous old creature!
Mark Hankins

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Verse 18 begins, “And all things are of God,” which means this is the work of God.

The old condition from which you have been redeemed is the curse of the law, which includes poverty, sickness, confusion, fear, sin, and the devil’s domination of your life. When does the “old condition” pass away and the “new condition” come? It doesn’t happen over a process of ten or twenty years. It happens the moment you are born again because of the grace of God. The moment you are saved, you become a new creation in Christ.

God would never make an unrighteous new creature! The moment you were born again, you are in Christ, and you are a new creature. Old things are passed away and everything has become new.

Confession: I am the workmanship of God. My old condition is gone and a new condition has come. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!

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MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or Who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord… (Psalm 24:3-5)

The spirit of faith always chooses the Glory Road. Mark Hankins

The Knox translation of Psalm 24:3 says, “Who dares climb the mountain of the Lord?” The ones who will climb God’s mountain are the ones with the spirit of faith! The spirit of faith always chooses the Glory Road! Climbing this mountain represents obedience to the will of God.

The road on the mountain of God is the Glory Road. Those who choose to travel the Glory Road see the glory of God! The Glory Road is like a spiritual Mount Everest. On this road there is much sacrifice and it is extremely challenging, but when you get to the top and see what is on the other side, you will be glad you chose that road. It requires training and discipline to make it to the top. However, the rewards at the top make the journey worthwhile. Choose the Glory Road and experience the glory of God!

Confession: I will dare to climb the mountain of God and obey His will for my life! I choose the Glory Road! I will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of my salvation. (Psalm 24:5)

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APPLY THE BLOOD

The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

Faith is largely dependent on knowledge. If knowledge of what the blood can accomplish is not accurate, then faith expects little, and the more powerful effects of the blood are limited.
Andrew Murray

The blood in your body circulates from head to toe every twenty-three seconds. The blood carries life itself. It carries the nutrients in that you need to live and it carries the garbage out.

As we study the Word of God, our faith grows. When we see clearly what Jesus has done for us through His blood, we begin our ascent into the realm of God. The blood of Jesus carries everything He has done for us. The blood of Jesus circulates and takes care of life and health for us. The blood of Jesus has many different ingredients and applications that are applied by faith. God is a faith
God and faith is what pleases Him. Faith opens the door to the supernatural.

Faith is built on accurate knowledge, (Romans 10:17) and there is no such thing as silent faith. Faith has a voice. (Mark 11:23)

Confession: I have faith in the blood of Jesus. I apply the blood of Jesus to my life today. Thank you Lord for the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses me from all sin!

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FAITH IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus…by the law of faith. (Romans 3:25-27)

Faith in His blood is the power and the vehicle that launches the believer into the very presence of God.
Mark Hankins

What a wonderful sight it is to see a space shuttle launch. You can see it rise slowly, then rocket into another world. The power, the sound, and the sight are fascinating. The giant fuel cells that propel it are necessary to get it out of this atmosphere into outer space. The shuttle leaves the law of gravity behind and enters a world of weightlessness. I like to compare that to faith in the blood of Jesus.

Faith in His blood launches the believer into another realm where the new law of faith rules. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus breaks the law of sin and death. The weight of sin that once held you down is broken and you are free. Think of the possibilities and the power in the blood of Jesus!

Confession: I am no longer bound by the law of sin and death! I am free through faith in His blood and the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus!

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