One In Christ Jesus
Galatians 3:28 (New American Standard Bible) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
For you are all one in Christ Jesus. These words written by the apostle Paul demonstrate to us as followers of Jesus our standing, identity, and value is found in Christ alone. Regardless of a person’s race or gender, in Jesus Christ all of us are valuable in the eyes of Almighty God. When Jesus came and died upon the cross, He didn’t come to simply only save a select group of people. He came and offered salvation to all people.
Today our world is divided and as we continue to move forward it will become divided and fractured even more. God is removing and shaking every foundation that man has built his life upon that is not connected to God and His kingdom. God’s desire is for people to come to salvation. His desire is that none perish but all come to everlasting life.
The message of the gospel is going forth through the earth. The reason the gospel is called good news is because the offer of salvation God gives is not received through behavior or performance. It is not based on the works of man, it is based upon the finished work of Jesus Christ. This is why no matter where a person comes from, regardless of race, background, gender, or sexuality, that salvation is available to them.
For us to come to salvation we must place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Paul writes those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13). Paul also writes if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord you shall be saved (Romans 10:9).
When Paul wrote these words to believers in Galatia, he was writing to a group of people who were being deceived into thinking that you needed to follow and hold to the law to be righteous in the eyes of God. But our righteousness is not based upon keeping the law, it is based upon the finished work of Christ. In Him we are one. In Him our value and identity is based on who Jesus is and what He has done. For those of us with a past that is shameful and dreadful this is wonderful news. Because our sin has been nailed to the cross.
Prayer Father, today I ask you to help me to understand my identity and value in you. Help me to keep my eyes fixed upon Jesus. Help me to let go of the shame of my sin and my past. Open my eyes to the depths of your love for me. Lead, guide, and direct me into your plans and purposes. Help me to see my brothers and sisters in Christ as you see them. Father give me the strength and endurance to live for you each day. In the name of Jesus, Amen!