You Can’t Earn What’s Already Been Paid For

It’s far too easy to lose sight of our true identity. We often find ourselves striving to earn love, acceptance, and salvation through our own efforts. We create mental checklists of do’s and don’ts, hoping that if we just follow the rules perfectly, we’ll finally be worthy of God’s love and grace. But this mentality is far from the truth that God wants us to embrace.

The truth is, we are already loved, accepted, and saved through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. When He died for us, He paid the ultimate price to redeem us from the bondage of sin and legalism. He set us free from the burden of trying to earn our way into heaven and instead offered us the gift of sonship and daughtership.

Galatians 4:4-7 beautifully illustrates this truth: “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are adopted into God’s family. We become His children, with all the rights and privileges that come with that position. We are no longer slaves to sin or legalism, but rather we are free to live in the love and grace of our heavenly Father.

This is a truth that we need to remind ourselves of daily. It’s so easy to slip back into that slave mentality, thinking that we have to work harder, do more, and be better to earn God’s favor. But the reality is, there’s nothing we can do to make God love us more than He already does. His love for us is unconditional and unending.

Think of it this way: when a child is born into a family, they don’t have to earn their place. They are loved and accepted simply because they exist. The same is true for us as children of God. We don’t have to strive to earn His love or prove our worth. We are already loved and accepted because we are His.

This truth should bring us incredible freedom and joy. We no longer have to live under the weight of guilt, shame, or condemnation. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that He sees us through the lens of His Son, Jesus. We are righteous, holy, and blameless in His sight, not because of anything we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us.

As we embrace our identity as children of God, it changes the way we live. We no longer have to strive to please Him or earn His favor. Instead, we can live from a place of rest and trust, knowing that He is a good Father who loves us deeply. We can enjoy our relationship with Him, spending time in His presence and experiencing the fullness of His love and grace.

Take a moment to reflect on your true identity in Christ. It’s high time you lay down the burden of trying to earn your salvation and instead embrace the free gift of sonship and daughtership that God offers us. Let’s approach Him with the confidence of a child, calling out “Abba, Father,” and knowing that He hears us and loves us unconditionally.

As we live from this place of identity, we’ll find that the Christian life becomes less about striving and more about abiding. We’ll experience the freedom and joy that comes from knowing who we are in Christ and living in the fullness of His love and grace. So let’s embrace our identity as children of God and live in the freedom and victory that He has won for us.

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Here is a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide for your week:

Day 1: Freedom in Christ

Reading: Galatians 4:4-7

Devotional: In Christ, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and the law. We are no longer slaves, but sons and daughters of the living God. Through faith in Jesus, we receive the full rights as God’s children and can approach Him as our loving Abba Father. Reflect on the incredible love and grace God has shown you by sending His Son to redeem you. Live each day in the freedom and joy of your identity in Christ.

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Day 2: Resting in God’s Love

Reading: Romans 8:35-39

Devotional: Nothing can separate us from the unfailing love of God in Christ Jesus. Not our failures, our struggles, or the trials we face in this life. God’s love for you is unconditional and unending. He sees you through the righteousness of Christ, not based on your own efforts. Rest in the security of His love today. Let it fill you with peace and hope, knowing that you are forever His beloved child.

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Day 3: Saved by Grace

Reading: Ephesians 2:4-9

Devotional: Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, not something we can earn through good works. Jesus paid the full price for our redemption on the cross. When we put our faith in Him, we are made alive in Christ and become heirs of eternal life. Meditate on the wonder of this undeserved grace today. Thank God for rescuing you and making you His own, apart from anything you have done. Walk in humble gratitude, compelled by His great love for you.

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Day 4: Hope in Suffering

Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Devotional: In the midst of affliction and suffering, we can have hope in the eternal glory that far outweighs any temporary troubles. God’s presence is with us in our pain, working all things for our ultimate good and His purposes. When you feel weary or burdened, fix your eyes on the unseen hope of heaven. Let God’s comfort strengthen you and realign your perspective. Your light and momentary troubles are producing for you an eternal weight of glory.

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Day 5: Abiding in Christ

Reading: John 15:4-8

Devotional: Just as a branch must remain connected to the vine to bear fruit, we must abide in Christ to experience spiritual growth and vitality. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing of eternal value. Abiding in Him means staying rooted in His Word, communing with Him in prayer, and walking in obedience to His will. As you draw near to Jesus today, may His life flow through you, producing much fruit for God’s glory. Depend on His strength and let your life be marked by ever-increasing intimacy with your Savior.