The theme of the last couple of programs has been a new beginning, that nothing compares to being given the opportunity and a new beginning. We continue in this track.
When Jesus gave his life as an atonement for our sins on Calvary, we were given a unique chance for a new beginning.
Therefore, it is about regaining faith and trust in God, and seizing the God-given opportunity for a new beginning.
In the letter of James, chapter 1, verse 17, it says that all good gifts come from God, that it is not due to works, so that no one should have anything to be proud of. The God-given opportunity for a new beginning is therefore solely due to what we are and have in Christ.
Let’s take a closer look at what we are and have in Christ.
First of all we found salvation in Him (Eph. 2:8-9, Rom. 8:1).
Scripture tells us that we are God’s children (Rom. 8:16-17, John 1:12, Gal. 3:26, 1. John 3:1-2).
So by that Jesus is our brother (John 20:17, Hebr. 2:11-12, Mat. 28:10, Rom. 8:29).
You are a new creation (2. Cor, 5: 17) and reconciled with God (2. Cor, 5:18).
You are really free (John 8:31-36, Gal. 5:1) and cleansed from all sin (1. John 1:7 og 9).
By him you are righteous (1. Cor, 1:30 og 6:11, 2. Cor, 5:21, Rom. 3:24) and holy (Eph. 1:4, 1. Cor, 1:2 og 6:11).
You are redeemed (Isa. 43:1-2) and part of the body of Christ, his bride (Col. 1:24, Rev. 21:9).
You were crucified and dead with Christ (Gal. 2:20, Rom. 6:3-8, Col. 3:3).
But now you are made alive with Christ (Eph. 2:4-6, Col. 2:12-1 and 3:3).
You are perfect in Christ (Hebr. 10:14).
We have everything we need in Christ, in him we have peace with God (Rom. 5:1, John 14:27 and 16:33, Eph. 2:14, Phil. 4:6-7). This also implies peace with others and myself.
We have forgiveness for all our sins (Isa. 55:7, 1. John 1:9, Acts 10:43) and eternal life (1. John 5:13, John 3:16).
You have an unwavering promise for this life and for eternity (Isa. 49,15-16, 54:10, 41:10-13, 43:1-2, Mat. 28:20, 1. Tim. 4:8, Jer. 29:11) and you have full citizenship with all rights in Heaven (Phil. 3:20,
James 2:5, Hebr. 12:28, Eph. 2:12-22).
You are a part of God’s family, the church (Acts 2:41-47, Eph. 5:26-27, Rev. 21,9).
God is your father and Jesus is your brother and advocate (John 20:17, 1. John 2:1).
We have a high priest and intercessor in Heaven. (Rom. 8:34, Hebr. 3:1, 4:14-16 and 7:24-26).
We have direct access to the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rom. 5:2, Hebr. 4:16) and the Holy Spirit is our guide, comforter and intercessor(John 16:13, Rom. 8:26-27).
We have authority in the name of Jesus (Luke 10:19, John 14:13-14, Mark 16:17-18, Luke:16) and power and strength (Acts 1:8, 2. Tim. 1:7, Psa. 118:14, Isa. 40:29-31).
We have healing for body, spirit and soul (Isa. 53:5, Psa. 103:3, Mat. 8:16-17, Acts 10:38), all og God’s gifts are ours (2. Cor. 9:8).
We have a life with purpose and meaning (Eph. 2:10, Jer. 29:11) and security (Isa. 41:10. 13-14, 43:1-2, Phil. 4:6-7).
With Christ we shall conquer, even more than conquer (Rom 8:37, 1. John 5:4-5, 4:4).