January 24th – What You Were

The Bible is a book of great hope for those who know God. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, the Apostle Paul lists a litany of sinful behaviors—an exhaustive list that not even the most charitable person on this planet could escape. It seems to be a hopeless scenario because possession of even one of these traits is enough to keep a person from Heaven.

But the very next verse describes our grand and glorious position as redeemed sinners. The apostle eloquently writes, “And such were some of you.” Christian, when God sees you and me, He doesn’t see the dark stain of sin that is our lives. He sees the beautiful, white purity of His own Son’s righteousness which covers us. We have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus.

Isn’t that a wonderful thought? To look at what we were and now see what we are. If you’ve failed God recently or feel as though you’re just not “making the cut” in the Christian life, take heart at this reality. God doesn’t view you as the wicked sinner you once were. He sees you as the redeemed child that you now are.

I hope that encourages you throughout your day today.

The law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out. — D.L. Moody

Devotional by Dr. James A. Scudder