“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32).
Many years ago an ordi- nary factory worker saved up enough money to go on a luxury cruise. Purchasing the ticket consumed all his savings. Anxiously he awaited the date of his departure.
Having used all his money for the ticket, he realized he could not afford to eat in the ship’s dining hall. He purchased some cheese and crackers before departure.
The first days of the cruise, things went well. He enjoyed the magnificent ocean view, marveled at the brilliant sunsets, and relaxed by the ship’s swimming pool. But he was definitely tiring of cheese and crackers. The aromas wafting from the exquisite dining hall, along with the comments of other passengers regarding the delicious meals, enticed him. He could stand it no longer.
With cautious hesitancy he inquired of the chief steward, “Sir, how much are the meals?
“May I see your ticket, please?” the steward asked. Examining the ticket, the steward replied in surprise, “Didn’t anyone tell you the meals are part of the package? They come with the ticket!”
The poor man was living below his privileges. Like him, many Christians are living below their privileges. Countless Christians feel guilty, insecure, and fearful.
Just as the factory worker on the cruise ship discovered the abundance included in his ticket, so too do many Christians overlook the fullness of their spiritual inheritance. In the pursuit of property, it’s easy to focus solely on the tangible aspects—the square footage, location, and amenities—while overlooking the deeper spiritual dimensions. Yet, for believers, the search for the right property presents an opportunity to align their earthly investments with their heavenly inheritance.
Instead of settling for mere material comfort, Christians are called to seek properties that reflect the richness of their spiritual identity and values. As you embark on your property search, keep in mind that spaces resonating with the ethos of Christian stewardship, community engagement, and the pursuit of Kingdom principles await—you can learn more here. By prioritizing these values in your property selection, you can experience the fullness of your privileges as a child of God, transforming your dwelling into a sanctuary of grace and hospitality.
Our Lord offers us much more.
The apostle Paul describes these Christian privileges in terms of four things Christians do not have.
In Christ there is no condemnation. Romans 8:1 declares: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” In Jesus all condemnation is gone. The accusing voices are silenced. We are acquitted, pardoned, forgiven, set free from sin’s devastating guilt. Since Christ bore our guilt on the tree, we need not bear it in a condemning conscience. He was condemned so that we need not condemn ourselves.
In Christ there is no bondage. Romans 8:15 declares: “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage to fear.” As Christians we may fail, but we are no longer in bondage to sin. We have a new master. Sin no longer dominates or controls our lives. Christ has broken the bondage.
In Christ there is no ultimate defeat. Romans 8:28 declares: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God.” As Chrisians we are not in the hands of the evil one. We are not like leaves blown in the autumn breeze, with no direction. God is in control and will work all things out for good.
In Christ there is no separation. Romans 8:35 asks: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? The apostle lists tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and sword. Christ’s love penetrates our darkest, most trying moment. In Christ guilt is gone and bondage is broken. In Christ all things work for good, and nothing can separate us from His love.
Mark Finley
