December 31, 2013

“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 New American Standard

The Holy Spirit brings real freedom into your life. It is the freedom of forgiveness. You’re no longer trying to cover up the “tyranny” of the past. When you were baptized your life was declared free and forgiven in the name of Jesus. His life signaled the end of sin’s death grip upon your life. You will still struggle against sin but you do so clothed in forgiveness .. and not fear. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is the Lord’s continuous refreshment of forgiveness throughout your life. It frees your life to love freely .. to serve freely .. and to give freely as an expression of Christ’s life in you. Forgiveness is one of God’s most extravagant gifts poured over and over across your lifetime. It is easily neglected or relegated to a past event. The forgiveness of Jesus never fades from your life. It is never hidden. It is always in full view. It is never divorced from Christ or His Spirit. True forgiveness reveals Jesus Christ as the source and never yourself. A forgiven life is the prerequisite of the Holy Spirit’s residence in you. And when He moves in … forgiveness .. freedom .. and fullness begin and become the solid parts of your life. You are never free without Christ’s Spirit. It only takes a moment …

“The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.” Romans 8:2 The Message

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F tot he Forgiven following Jesus and friends of Priority One (kchesterp1@gmail.com)