But Now!

Do you have a “but now” moment in your life? Have you experienced God’s gift of the “but now?” Two of the greatest words in scripture – “but now” (Romans 3:21). “But now” means something has changed. There was a then and now there is a now. The “but now” has happened and has brought us a remedy for our total sinful corruption (Romans 3:10-18). The “but now” has put an end to the futility of striving to produce a righteousness that can stand up to God’s examination. The “but now” has put an end to hopelessness and helplessness. The “but now” is the great turning point in all of history. Words fall short of the glory of the “but now.” Today we are living in the era of the “but now.” It has arrived.

What is the “but now?” It is the supernatural fulfillment of the entire Old Testament prophecies and shadows of the coming of the Messiah. The “but now” is God manifesting His righteousness that is available to all who have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The “but now” is the new way for salvation apart from the law that freely justifies us as holy and righteousness before God (Romans 3:21-23). The “but now” is the coming of Jesus Christ living a sinless life, dying on the cross, being resurrected and ascending to the Father. The ”but now” is the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ being accepted by God to then be declared to be our righteousness as a grace gift through faith to those who believe. The “but now” declares that we are not only forgiven of sin but we declared righteous in Christ.

But now, for our sake the Father made Jesus Christ to be our sin on our behalf so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. But now! Do you rejoice in your “but now” experience?
But now, there is no reason to look to do something for salvation. But now, we can stop comparing ourselves to others because we are all the same righteousness – Christ’s righteousness. But now, we can stop looking at what we hope to be based on our own efforts. But now, we look entirely to the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work of righteousness for salvation and we rest on that.

Faith says, yes, I have sinned horribly, I was corrupt, and I know I still battle with sin, BUT NOW, I am a child of God, not resting on any righteousness of my own. My righteousness is in Jesus Christ and my heavenly Father has accredited that righteousness to my account. But now, I look absolutely and exclusively to the Lord Jesus Christ for my salvation. Enjoy and rejoice in the “BUT NOW!”

I will see you Sunday to worship God for the "But now," Steve