Did you ever realize that God is in the exchange business. For example, when you give God obedience to His commands and will He gives you blessings and joy in return. And when you praise God, especially during times of trials, you put a smile on His face and have the great privilege of bringing glory to His name. We see this in (Psalm 50:23) which says: “Whoever offers praise glorifies Me…”
But, without a doubt, the most amazing exchange took place at Calvary. Pastor Steven Lawson shares this wonderful exchange when he states: “At the cross, the worst about us-our sins-was laid upon Christ, and the best about Him-His righteousness-was laid upon us.”1 As a result of this incredible transaction another amazing thing takes place when we put our faith and trust in Jesus. Steven Lawson again shares one of the most insightful observation regarding the salvation experience: “If you are only born once, you will die twice. But if you are born twice, you will only die once.”2
My friends, the born again experience is the greatest transformation work that can ever take place in a person, but it does come at a cost. Yes, we will have to abandon much of our old ways of living and many fleshly enjoyments, as well as dedicate our life to serving another master other than self, but the rewards are simply out of this world. We as new creations in Christ get to get rid of our lying, cheating and other sinful behaviors and addictions and in return get peace, joy and wonderful purpose in life. But the greatest blessing of all is that we get to spend eternity with Jesus in heaven instead of an eternity in hell with Satan. Yes, it will cost you to follow Christ, but it costs far more not to follow Him.
God’s exchange program is open to everyone and it is guaranteed to transform you from a sinner to a saint, and from bondage to free. I praise God that one day Jesus opened my blind eyes and invited me to enroll in His wonderful and unique salvation plan. And the most awesome thing about this plan is that it was paid for in full by Jesus!
1 TOP 25 QUOTES BY STEVEN J LAWSON | A-Z Quotes (azquotes.com)
2 TOP 25 QUOTES BY STEVEN J LAWSON | A-Z Quotes (azquotes.com)
“The greatest blessing of all is that we get to spend eternity with Jesus in heaven.”
This statement can be misunderstood theologically if it excludes our eternal home on the new earth. I believe most Christians, when they hear this statement, think of some dwelling up in the sky, by and by, without any connection to the regenerated new earth. “ Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne.” We are those who inherit the earth, to carry on the covenant work of dominion, subduing it to the glory of God.
If your plan is to live in the clouds for eternity, what will you have dominion over? What will need to be subdued?
Isaiah gives us a glimpse of the promises of Christ making “all things new in chapter 60:5, 17-20. Where are these promises to take place? Isaiah 65:17-19 answers that question, the new earth. The stage is set and the final word is in Rev. 21:1-5, “all things new.”
The Greek word for renewal is palingenesia, a compound word meaning “again,” “beginning.” This harkens back to Genesis, Genesis again or Eden restored. It should boggle our mind to think of a sinless life in covenant with God, having dominion in the new earth. Our experience here is vital to our activity there. We are not wasting our time as we live and learn. We will bring gifts and talents with us that will be used in the newly regenerated earth. Just imagine the things you will be doing in the work of dominion and subduing the earth. Will you build things, teach things, oversee the animals, master the sea on a ship you helped build, climb the tallest mountain, or learn to play multiple instruments and write music that praises God?
We should be looking forward to this glorious inheritance.