Unconditional Blessings
Unconditional Blessings
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life
(Romans 5:18).
Under the Old Testament, God’s blessings for the children of Israel were preconditioned on their obedience to the Law. They had to obey the Law to enjoy the benefits of the first covenant. For example, in Exodus 19:5-6, God had desired that the Children of Israel walk as kings and priests before Him, but their obedience was a prerequisite for the blessings to take effect in their lives: “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.”
However, they couldn’t. They broke His laws and couldn’t enjoy the blessings. This however isn’t the case with us today in the New Testament. Colossians 1:12 says“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”We’ve been made partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the Kingdom of light. We’re sharers and participators in the blessings and benefits of the Kingdom-life reserved for all God’s children. This happened when you were born again; you were born with an inheritance. You don’t have to try to “obey” the Law for God to bless you; you were born blessed (Ephesians 1:3).
Also, you’re the fruit of Christ’s obedience: “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:18-19). Can you now see why you don’t have to try to obey God first, for Him to bless you? Someone obeyed God on your behalf, and His Name is Jesus. Through His obedience, God’s gift; His blessing of righteousness was bequeathed to you.
Nowhere in the New Testament are we told to “obey” God or “obey” the Law. Rather we are called His obedient children:“As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance”(1 Peter 1:14). We’re described in scriptures as having obeyed God’s Word of truth from the heart (Romans 6:17). So our blessings and inheritance in Christ aren’t preconditioned on obedience; rather, they are our birthright!
Prayer
I thank you dear Heavenly Father for qualifying me to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light. I reach forth today and take a hold of all that’s mine in Christ Jesus, and enjoy the benefits and privileges reserved for all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen
FURTHER STUDY
Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 3:9
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible reading plan: Act 12; Nehemiah 4-6
2 Year Bible reading plan: Luke 4:33-44; Deuteronomy 24
