God

God

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

Romans 5:1-2

The only way to know or worship God is through belief in his Son, Jesus Christ. We might be tempted to think that a lot of people in the world know God—if the determining factor were how much they mention his name. How often we hear people exclaiming, “Thank God it’s Friday!” or “For God’s sake.” I often wonder if people who speak God’s name that way have any idea that we can actually know him through Jesus Christ.

Christ has paved the way for us to know God. The whole story of the Bible shows how God took initiative to bring us to himself through Christ. The plan was promised in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. As we study the life, teaching, person, and work of Jesus, we learn that he has many titles—including Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). But the three main ministries he carries out are those of prophet, priest, and king.

As prophet, he reveals God’s character and will to the world. As priest, instead of offering continual animal sacrifices, he offered himself once for all for the sins of the world. And as king, he will someday return to earth in triumph to set up his kingdom. God becomes known to us not because of our efforts, but as a result of how he revealed himself in Jesus Christ.

Father,

Thank you that when we believe in Jesus, we are reconciled to you. We’re grateful that Jesus came to earth and showed us the path to you. May we encourage our children—both by our lives and our words—to be reconciled to you. Amen.