How Deep? by Maria Hartman

Although I never came right out and said it, there was a time when I thought I could get to heaven because I sincerely tried to do the right thing. Jesus came to earth to die for my sins and was willing to take people to heaven; so why not me? I really did try to do good and be kind most of the time, and I figured that was better than others were doing.

There was one enormous problem with my thinking however: It was human logic without a foundation. It was a lie.

Now that I have personally received the Truth that has set me free, I know I am not a good person at all; nothing 'good' dwells in me because of my sin. Yet I have more self worth today than I've ever had in all my life. Not because of anything I have done or because of anything those I love have said about me. But only because...... while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He knew no sin, but He literally became the sin that needed to be punished. Nobody can ever or will ever love me that much.

How can this be? Does it make 'sense'? When I was lost I thought I was good; now that I'm found, I know I am bad? Basically, that's it. But truth be known, deep down inside, no matter how many times people told me I was good, (and at times I believed I was), I knew in my heart that I WASN'T. I thought bad things, had wrong motives, and generally was focused on me. But I could never figure out what was missing in my life or why I felt the way I did. I therefore just pushed all of it away...to a place where I thought I'd never have to deal with it again. After all, nobody ever told me anything different.

Thankfully, God removed all of the confusion regarding what was required of me. And as I have grown as a true believer in Christ, God has graciously taught me incredible things from His Word and by His Spirit. I don't know how or why I could have thought that I had any power to do right on my own or to earn my way to God based on my actions. Even the Holy Spotless Lamb of God, Christ Himself could not live a life 'good enough' to provide the way to heaven for sinners. I do not want that to sound irreverent; He is always more than we could want for and is always good enough. What I'm trying to say is this: the Perfect Son of God could not have given me eternal life unless He shed His blood to wash me clean of my sin. If it took this drastic of an act from God Himself, and perfection alone wasn't adequate to bring me to the Father, how could I have ever thought I could be or do anything worthy to be considered His child?

Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.

It is the blood. It is the blood, where life originates that washed away my sin. Nothing but the blood of Jesus. His dying brought me life, not His living. His Spirit drew me to Himself and through it, I saw my great need, and the One who was waiting to meet that need. I had no power to rid myself of sin. That understanding let me to action; and that was the only part I played in my salvation; I came to Him just as I was and received. I had no ability to give Him anything; His design was just that I come. Carefully read the words to the following song. Pay close attention to the last line.

HOW DEEP THE FATHER'S LOVE FOR US

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, nor wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom


For Today: The sinless blood of Jesus was shed for me. In placing my faith in Him, I am covered in that blood; justified before God Himself through no righteousness of my own. All that is 'good' in me is Him. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Do you think you can enter His kingdom apart from His grace, or without complete and utter trust in His sacrifice for you? Please take the time to answer that honestly.

Ephesians 2:13 is the victory I live in. I can say with full assurance that I know Who made the way. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

You'll never get near if you remain far off trying it your own way.

One last thought to ponder: God has given women something amazing; the ability to give birth. We who are privileged to carry life do so because blood is shed through our bodies monthly. And when a life is about to enter the world, blood is shed yet again. We didn't do anything to bring this about, it was the Creator's design for life. Could it be that He wanted us to know, to experience, that even physical life cannot come without the shedding of blood?

Everlasting life is offered to you today......through the blood of Jesus. You and I had nothing to do with this, it was the Creator's design for spiritual life.

Come to the cross and be washed clean. Come to unfailing Love and experience how RED covers BLACK, and by the grace of God, makes WHITE.