Every born-again Believer in Jesus Christ has a divine birthright through Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary. Part of that birthright is the joy of that blood-bought freedom and liberty from the bondage of the law of sin and death. Am I walking in my birthright? Jesus declared, John 7:38“He that believes on me….out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” Is the river flowing?

Romans 8: 1-“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the things of the Spirit.

and verse 6: For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is LIFE AND PEACE.”

We have all fallen short at times and been guilty of trying to fulfill the 10 commandments (Exodus 20), or the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7), in our own strength, by our own efforts/works, for our own glory. Many have become disillusioned with the results of the bondage of their self-efforts and have tried to throw out the 10 commandments declaring they are “Old Testament.” But Jesus came to fulfill the law. Romans 8:4 declares “That the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Jesus said, Matthew 5:17, “Do not think I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Truth is a Person – Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the law. The only way I can live the Christian life is by submitting in humility to the Indwelling Christ in me, allowing Him to live His life through me. Self effort produces religion, bondage and man’s glory – wood, hay and stubble in God’s eyes, but the law of the Spirit of Life in me produces freedom, glorious liberty, joy and peace. These are the hallmarks of HIS life in me. The life source is not OF me, it is just passing THROUGH me to extend His kingdom to others, to give glory back to God. OF, THROUGH, TO – GOD BE THE GLORY. It’s not about me, it’s all about Jesus living His life through me.

Jesus Christ, Truth, is creative. His life in me can fulfill all the commandments, all the Sermon on the Mount if I submit to His workings in my life. When I am abiding in the Vine, the Lord Jesus, the fruits of His Spirit are evidenced in my life. The following song puts it so clearly:

I’ve found a new way of living
I’ve found a Life that’s divine
I have the fruits of the Spirit
‘Cause I’m abiding, abiding in the Vine.
Abiding in the Vine, Abiding in the Vine,
Love, joy, peace, health,
He has made them mine.
I’ve got prosperity, power and victory,
Abiding, abiding in the Vine.
(Beulah Ratcliffe)

It’s all in Him. When I look into His face, I want to humble, I want to please Him, nothing compares with the joy of His Presence. I am reminded of the words of another song that brings balance to my life when I am focused on Him, and not me:

“And the things of the earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.”

When facing trials and difficulties, I can choose to continue to abide in Him and allow His life to flow through me, demonstrating to the world and myself, His “peace that passes my understanding,” (Philippians 4:7). I do not need to understand everything, but I do need His peace to live in the Rest of His Presence. I can trust God, for His understanding is infinite, (Psalm 147:5).

Our loving Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom and divine plan has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son and wrapped everything up in Him, that He might have pre-eminence. Colossians chapter 1 expounds this and speaking of Jesus, verse 19 declares that, “It pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell.” IT’S ALL IN HIM. On our journey to fullness then, let us embrace our birthright and bring glory to our awesome, faithful God.