His Name Is Jesus
Daily Rays Of Hope #42
Grace That Sets You Free
Matthew 1:21 (NIV): "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
From the moment of His birth, Jesus' mission was clear—He came to save us. Sin separated humanity from God, but Jesus paid the ultimate price to reconcile us back to the Father. His sacrifice wasn’t just for a select few; it was for you. No matter what your past looks like, His grace is greater.
Jesus Paid the Price for Our Freedom
Because of sin, we were once far from God, but through Christ, we are brought near. Isaiah 53:5 declares: "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Jesus took the punishment we deserved so that we could receive the peace of God.
Paul affirms this in 2 Corinthians 5:21: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." You are no longer defined by your past—you are now the righteousness of God.
Letting Go of Guilt and Shame
Many struggle with guilt and shame, believing they are unworthy of God’s love. But the truth is, Jesus did not just forgive your sins; He removed them completely. Psalm 103:12 reassures us: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
Condemnation is not from God. Romans 8:1 declares: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The enemy wants to keep you bound by shame, but Jesus calls you to walk in freedom. Let go of what He has already forgiven.
Receiving Grace and Walking in Faith
Speak the Truth Over Yourself – Replace guilt and shame with God’s truth. When negative thoughts arise, declare scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Live in Daily Surrender – Let go of striving and receive His grace. Pray each day, surrendering your past, present, and future to Jesus. 1 Peter 5:7 says: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Extend Grace to Others – Just as you have received God’s mercy, choose to forgive yourself and others. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Jesus came to save, not to condemn. His grace is enough. Receive it fully, walk in freedom, and live as the redeemed child of God you are.