A Finished Work

“God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished.” -Philippians 1:6

The message of Jesus to the religious person is simple: It’s not what you do. It’s what I do. I have moved in.

Religious rule-keeping can sap your strength. It’s endless. There is always another class to attend, Sabbath to obey, Ramadan to observe. No prison is as endless as the prison of perfection. Her inmates find work but never find peace. How could they? They never know when they are finished.

Christ, however, gifts you with a finished work. He fulfilled the law for you. Bid farewell to the burden of religion. Gone is the fear that having everything done, you might not have done enough. You climb the stairs, not by your strength, but his. God pledges to help those who stop trying to help themselves.

-Max Lucado