Bible Verse: But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:21–24
Scripture Reading: Romans 5:1-2; Romans 4:25; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17
Once you accept Christ, to be authentic means you are true to who you are in Christ; you are loyal to what God says about you through the Scriptures.
You need to view yourself through the lens of redemption and believe His work of grace is an ongoing work in your heart. This allows you to be honest with others about your humanity and your need for integrity, accountability, and taking responsibility for yourself. You are not trying to prove something or hide something; you are at peace with God (Romans 5:1-2), yet you know God is still working some things out in you. You can be real.
Authentic Christianity means embracing God’s ongoing redemptive work in your life. A basic understanding of redemption can help us appreciate what Jesus has done for us.
Some “Redemptive” Facts:
- “Redemption” means to save; to purchase; to gain possession of something in exchange for a price; or to clear a debt.
- Jesus’ death and resurrection secured redemption for all who would believe in Him (Romans 4:25).
- At the price of His own life, Jesus paid for our freedom from the bondage and condemnation of sin (Romans 8:1).
- Everyone needs redemption, and the freedom and authenticity it offers, but not everyone has recognized it yet (Romans 3:23).
- Redemption through Christ makes the believer a new creation in Christ, with a clean slate and a new future (2 Corinthians 5:17).
As you walk with Christ, you will get occasional reminders of the old you, before you met Christ. You will even stumble and disappoint yourself or others at times. In those moments, you may feel like a fake, a phony. But Christ’s redemptive work in you continues; His grace still justifies you and works in you. Like a long freight train at top speed, you won’t stop God’s inner work that easily.
Remember, because Jesus redeemed your life, there is nothing for you to prove and nothing to hide. He knows it all, sees it all, and His sacrifice covers it all. See yourself secure in Christ; it will help you be your most authentic self, with an authentic faith. Nothing fake here.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for the redemptive work of grace working in me right now, all because of Jesus. Thank You for sending Him to save me and give me an authentic faith. Help me remember when I am struggling that Your grace continues, and I am Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Reflection: When you’re tempted to prove something or hide something because of a moment of disappointment, remember who you belong to and what He is working out in your life. Don’t give up. Do you still see yourself as the old you, or a brand-new creation in Christ, redeemed for better things?
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