The Objective Reality

Christ has already done everything that’s needed to be done in order for us to be saved. “It is finished,” Christ said. It’s already a reality. Christ’s atonement is sufficient and effective for all—past, present and future. It’s for everyone—for all (universal atonement). “It’s a done deal” as the saying goes.

This is similar to President Abraham Lincoln’s declaration in 1863 that the black slaves were now free—the Emancipation Act. It was already a reality but some slaves were unaware of it or did not believe it. They continued living as if they were still slaves when in reality, they were already free. They continued to live in misery unnecessarily. It was already true whether they believed it or not. It was really, truly and in actual fact, objectively true that they were already free according to law! That’s the objective truth!

The Subjective, Personal Experience

Some of the slaves believed that they were already free while some others did not. Those who did not believe or were unaware of the Emancipation Act* continued to live in misery as if they were still slaves. Those who learned and believed that they were already free really did enjoy and they experienced for the first time what it was like to live like a free man!

Christ did everything that was needed to save all of us. In fact, in so far as Christ is concerned, “it’s a done deal.” Without asking for our permission, Christ has already died for us even while we were still sinners. That is, even before we had asked for forgiveness, he has already died for our sins on our behalf as our substitute and representative — as our High Priest, our Mediator. He has already saved us by and through his grace. And this applies to all.

Personal Response, Participation

In view of the objective truth, how do we respond? Let us welcome this wonderful good news! We should accept this truth! Let us change our minds (repent) and believe the good news! Let’s enjoy and participate in God’s life and love in Jesus Christ! Let us become who we really are in Jesus Christ! This is the abundant life! This is the good news! Join the fun and enjoy it!

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