Jesus Changed Everything

The Old Testament law reminded mankind that they were not able to meet God’s expectations, not even the Ten Commandments. Mankind was sinners. It is always has been (and is) that way, part of our nature.

This is a bit problem especially when you keep in mind that God is holy. In the Old Testament, God put the utmost importance on His holiness. The idea of “holy” was primarily that of being apart. There was a huge separation between God and man made evident by His majesty, His greatness and His purity.

There was distance demonstrated regularly in the Old Testament.
God set a boundary at the foundation of the mountain when He spoke to His people. The people were horrified, and persisted throughout the Old Testament. Even in the New Testament, when Jesus was at sea, a stormy sea, with a few of the disciples, the experienced at sea disciples were afraid of dying and called on Christ to save them.

When the Lord calmed the stormy seas, the disciples were even more scared because they quickly realized they were in the presence of God who is mightier than stormy seas. “Our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29). “. . .without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14)

But, something changed with Jesus!

In fact, it’s so amazing that we need to have Christian clothing that we could wear that shouted this to the world!

How did he make everything different?

God uses new terms to define our relationship. Romans 8:14-15 tells us three ways Jesus changed everything. When Jesus becomes Lord of our lives, we find amazing grace and blessings.
These two powerful verses are the key to fully knowing the Christian life.

First, we are sons of God (v. 14).
“. . . because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (8:14)

We are no longer led (or shepherded) by the law, but by the Holy Spirit of God now living within us. The Spirit leads us into holiness.

Secondly, as his children, our fear is replaced by the blessings of adoption (v. 15a).

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear.” (8:15a)
The New Testament letters (epistles) use the metaphor of adoption five times all by the Apostle Paul (Romans 8:15; Romans 9:4; Romans 8:23; Ephesians 1:5 and Galatians 4:5).
And finally, as His children, we have direct access to the Father (v. 15b).

“. . .but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” (8:15b)
“Abba Father” Abba is the Aramaic and Father is Greek. They are put together here to pronounce the closest of family relationships, indicating: intimacy, tenderness, dependence and complete lack of fear. Some would say “Papa” or Daddy” (used reverently) would be a good understanding of “Abba Father.”

Pretty awesome, huh?