Greetings hannah ,
It takes good balance . We live in a world full of extremes .
One can be overly conscious of their falling short , in such a way which is counterproductive to believing The Gospel unto experiencing God's peace within .
And one can be in denial of their sin , in a manner which greatly hinders personally experiencing the gifts of repentance + forgiveness .
Neither of these two extremes justify the other !
One day the topic of " keeping up with our confessing of sins " was becoming increasingly anxious and uncomfortable ; when suddenly , I found myself boldly saying , " The Lord hasn't just forgiven me for what I've done - He's forgiven me for what I've become ! "
This changes the idea , that unless , I confess soon enough , or with the right measure of penitence , or every infraction bar none , that my place in heaven is jeopardized : ( which in reality becomes another variety of a " works based salvation " ) .
And now , instead , I see that The Lord revealed Himself to me because He has beheld me from beginning to end , and seen that I belong with Him in His Kingdom .
This doesn't mean that I always do everything right ; that I don't have to confess the truth about my sins ; or that I feel justified in doing what's wrong .
It means that God , Who knows perfectly the past , the present , and the future , chose to reveal His Son in us - Who He foreknew would be responsive and appreciative enough to become ( in the time He allows ) exactly what we need to be to fit right into the Place which Jesus has prepared for us .
As it is written -
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? <-----> Romans 8:24-32
And again , it is said -
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. <-----> 1st Peter 5:10+11
The fact that we still fall short doesn't mean we can't believe in God's Willing Ability to perfect us , through establishing us in Christ's faith , strengthening us with His Love , and settling us into His Kingdom of Grace & Peace .
Not only can / do we believe that God can do these things , but we believe that He Will , for Christ's Sake .
For The Father will see to it that Jesus is The Captain of " many brethren " .
And if The Father has revealed The Son in us , ( as He has apparently done in you , dear hannah ) , this signifies that with His Ability to see all , know all , and comprehend all , that He has chosen us to be heirs together with Christ of His Everlasting Kingdom of Heaven .
Thankyou Father for your Incomparible Gift , help us to realize Your Greatness and Supeme Love yet more and more with each passing day . Help us to fully embrace the confidence which befits Salvation through The Precious Blood of Jesus and The Power of His Endless Life . And deliver our dear sister hannah from all unwarranted fears , and unbalanced interjections , according to The Divine Nature manifesting through The Name of Jesus Christ . Amen .
Sincerely ,
wm
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