The Privileges

At the very moment a person repents and trusts in Christ alone for salvation he becomes instantly and permanently perfect in God's eyes. This is on the basis of Christ's perfection counted as his. The Bible says,

'But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies [declares perfect] the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness' (Romans 4:5).

During the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, one of the thieves was saved. He repented from his sin and believed on Christ. Right there and then, Jesus granted forgiveness and eternal life to the thief. Christ said to him, 'today you will be with Me in Paradise' (Luke 23:43). The thief was accepted by the Holy God in heaven. Why? It is so because at that very moment the thief genuinely repented and fully trusted Christ to save him, he then became perfect in the eyes of God. How? The death of Christ erased all his sins, and the perfection of Christ was counted as his.

Do you understand how the thief became perfect in the eyes of God? How?

Having the presence and the perfection of Jesus Christ does not only make a sinful man perfect in the eyes of God, but it also results in many other wonderful eternal privileges such as:

1. Forgiveness of all sins - past, present and future (Romans 4:5-8; Col 2:13).

2. Eternal reconciliation with God (Romans 5:9-11).

3. Being a child of God for life and eternity (John 1:12; Romans 8:16-17).

4. Sure salvation from the punishment of sin in hell (Romans 5:9; 8:1; John 5:24).

5. Having eternal life now and forever (1 John 5:11-13; John 3:16, 36; 10:28-29).

6. Having the permanent presence of Jesus Christ in one's life (Hebrews 13:5).

7. Having real satisfaction through glorifying God by loving and obeying Him above all (Psalm 16:11; John 6:35; Romans 5:11; Mark 12:30).

Christian life is not easy. It involves sacrifices. However, it is worth it for there is nothing in this world more wonderful and satisfying than having Christ and loving Him above all. This is why Christ said, 'I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly' (John 10:10). In God's presence is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).