-"By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified" (Hebrews 10:14). No more sacrifice needs to be made. No more deposits are necessary. So complete was the payment that Jesus used a banking term to proclaim your salvation. "It is finished" (John 19:30). Tetelestai was a financial term used to announce the final installment, the ultimate payment.
Now, if the task is finished, is anything else required of you? Of course not. If the account is full, what more could you add? Even saying the phrase "forgive our debts" does not earn grace. We repeat the words to remind us of the forgiveness we have, not to attain a forgiveness we need....
For some of you these thoughts about bounced checks and God's grace aren't new, but aren't they precious? Honestly, have you ever been given a gift which compares to God's grace? Finding this treasure of mercy makes the poorest beggar a prince. Missing this gift makes the wealthiest man a pauper.
Again, many of you knew that. I pray the reminder encourages you.
But for others, this is more than good news...it is new news. You never knew there was a roof of grace. And what a grand roof it is. The tiles are thick and the beams are sturdy. Under it you are shielded from the storms of guilt and shame. Beneath the covering of Christ, no accuser can touch you and no act can condemn you.
Isn't it good to know you don't have to stand outside in the storm anymore?
"But is it big enough for me?" you ask. Well, it was big enough for one who denied Christ (Peter). One who mocked Christ (the thief on the cross). One who persecuted Christ (Paul). Yes, it's big enough for you. Though you've spent a lifetime writing insufficient checks, God has stamped these words on your statement: 'MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU.'
Picture, if you will, a blank check. The amount of the check is "sufficient grace." The signer of the check is Jesus The only blank line is for the payee. That part is for you. May I urge you to spend a few moments with your Savior receiving this check? Reflect on the work of His grace. Look toward the roof. Its beams are from Calvary and the nails once held a Savior to the Cross. His sacrifice was for you.
Express your thanks for His grace. Whether for the first time or the thousandth, let Him hear you whisper, "Forgive us our debts." And let Him answer your prayer as you imagine writing your name on the check.
Perhaps I best slip out now and leave the two of you to talk. I'll be waiting in the hallway of the Great House of God.~~ -(From: The Great house of God/ By: Max Lucado)
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." [John 14:6]
