The latest issue of TIME is devoted to the American dream of “the Pursuit of Happiness.” It would make a sizable book on the subject from every perspective --except that of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What does His Good News say?
1. He is “the Savior of the world” (Joh 4:42) which means He is already your personal Savior, sinful and unworthy though you know you are.
2. If your unhappy heart cries out, “Father!” that is the litmus test that proves you are already “adopted” as a child of God (Rom 8:14-17).
3. In fact, it is God Himself who “has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your heart, crying, Abba, Father” (Gal. 4:6). Christ promised that He would not leave you an orphan (John 14:18). Not ever.
4. Your unbelieving heart says, “But I am so sinful! How can I already be ‘a child of God,’ ‘adopted’ into His family?” The Son of God redeemed, saved, justified the human race when He died our second death on His cross (Heb. 2:9). Believe and you are “justified by faith.” He
(a) “chose” you, (b) “predestined” you to be saved, (c) “adopted” you, (d) redeemed you, (e) forgave you, (f) has “abounded toward you in all wisdom and prudence,” and (g) has “accepted you in the Beloved” (all this is in Ephesians 1:3-11). The first person plural pronouns’ antecedent is “all men,” “every man” (Rom. 5:5-18)--all because “where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (vs. 20).
5. It all means that you are indeed a “child of Abraham” by faith (Rom. 4:1, 4, 5, 11, 12, 16, etc.). He is the “father of all who believe.”
6. “But my faith is not perfect!” you cry. Neither was Abraham’s--until he finally offered his only son on Mt Moriah (Gen. 22). You are a new-born child; you have growing to do (1 Peter 2:1-5). By God’s grace, you are on the way. Your “faith will work” perfect obedience (Gal.
5:6).
7. The way to happiness: believe the new covenant promises to Abraham. They are in Gen. 12:2, 3 and Ex. 6:5-8 (to us); and don’t forget, John 3:16.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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