Now it God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.
He anointed us,
set his seal of ownership on us,
and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit,
guarantee what is to come.
2 Corinthians 1:21,23
Jesus promised a new life that could not be forfeited or terminated. “Whoever hears my word and believe him who set me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he cross over from death to life”.Bridge are burned, and the transfer is accomplished. Ebbs and flows continue, but they never disqualify. Ups and down may mark our days.but they will never ban us from his kingdom. Jesus bottom- lines our lives with grace.
Even more, God stakes his claim on us. “By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge - a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete”. You’ve done something similar: engraved your name on a valued ring, etch your identity on a tool or iPad. Cowboys brand cattle with the mark of the ranch.Stamping decleares ownership. Through his Spirit, God stamps us. Whoud - be takes are repelled by the presence of his name. Satan is driven back by the declaration: Hands off. This child is mine!
Eternally, God.
Max Lucado のGod is with You Every Day より
サタンは一生懸命に、私を取り戻そうとしているのでした。
私の生き方、私の働きが彼の気にさわれば、さわるほど、そのがんばりは強くなるということです。
「あなたが持ってきた福音がこの災いを呼び寄せた」とは、私が最近よく聞かされる最も苦い誉め言葉です。
「あなたが持ってきた福音がこの祝福を招いた」と言われてみたいな。
でも、本当はそんなことはどうでもよい。
私の評判や評価は天で父から直接聞くから、それでいい。