from pastor Rich Allcorn 

Many is the time that I hear folks say this, meaning well, and with great spiritual conviction ...

"I'm just an ole sinner, saved by grace." 

But, in the light of what the Bible says, this would be like calling GOD a liar!  You see, the Bible clearly tells us that we are "the righteousness of GOD"! 

You see, we "were" sinners, but the blood sacrifice of Jesus didn't leave us that way!  The Bible says that we have become "a brand new creation". 

It says, "Old things have passed away, behold all things have now become new!" 

(behold means to "look", take notice of what is clearly before you) 

In the Old Covenant, the sacrifice of a lamb (in our place) was for our sin, to "cover it" before GOD.  But, the New Covenant (New Testament) clearly says that the blood of the Lamb of GOD "washes away sin".  Jesus' blood didn't just atone for our sin (cover it), but it washes it away!  It is as though we've never, ever sinned!  We can stand before GOD as Jesus would, totally and completely washed and purified from "all sin"!  (see 1 John)  We are told in 1 John, "If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  This means you are totally "white-washed" - NO SIN is left! 

The Bible calls us "joint heirs with Jesus".  Jesus is called the "firstborn of many brethren".  This means that "we" are in the same position as Jesus!  We are sinless, white-washed, born-again, and we sit at the right hand of the Father GOD, with Jesus!  It is because of Jesus that this is even possible!  "He Who knew no sin, became sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God.

Now, what difference does it make whether you consider yourself "an ole sinner" or if you view yourself as "the righteousness of GOD in Christ Jesus"?  It makes all of the difference in the world!  You see, your faith is "fed" by your belief in GOD's Word.  So, when you take a stand on what GOD has said in HIS Word, "faith" comes to you! 

For the rest of this month, go around saying this to yourself: 

"I am the righteousness of GOD in Christ Jesus!" 
"I am no longer a sinner, but I am a son (or daughter) of GOD, with Jesus!" 
"GOD loves me so much that HE sent Jesus to be my sacrificial lamb so that my sins could not just be atoned for, but washed away!  Now, I am "clean" before GOD." 

Do this, each morning and evening, and see if you don't begin to see a BIG DIFFERENCE in your life begin to take place!