Do vs. Done
We are already at the goal. We are not trying to get there. The work to get us there has already been done, completed in full by Christ!
“Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’”
John 19:30 (NIV)
I have worked and struggled so hard to be a "good Christian." I always thought I wasn't good enough, that God was always disappointed in me, that His main message to me was "try harder." These thoughts weren’t true! God then showed me the difference between law (or works/effort) and grace (free gifts). One big difference is "do" vs. "done."
It's the difference between "I'm trying to kill off my old self," and realizing it's already dead.
It's the difference between "I am trying to get forgiveness and redeem myself," and realizing I have already been forgiven and redeemed.
It's the difference between "I'm trying to be holy," and realizing I have already been sanctified (made holy) and perfected forever.
It's the difference between "I'm trying to get closer to God," and realizing this human life has already been joined as one to God.
It's the difference between "I am trying to get to heaven," and realizing Christ already brought me there.
The things I was trying so hard to do under law or self-effort were actually already done for me! When were they done? Well, about 2,000 years ago. It's called the finished work of Christ because it really is finished. Yes, believing it allows me to experience it fully and personally in my present life, but the fact is, it was already done long ago by my wonderful Lord. It's the difference between "do" and "done."
A Thought: I can rest because all the work of my salvation has already been done by Christ.