“…whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” —John 6:37
“I give My sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” —John 10:28
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice (dance) over you with joyful songs.” —Zephaniah 3:17
All our sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ’s cross. —Colossians 2:14 (MSG)
…we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God… —Hebrews 4:14
The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but He holds His priesthood permanently, because He continues forever. Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. —Hebrews 7:22-25
Justification – Declared righteous in God’s eyes, legally innocent in His divine court, based on Jesus’ work for us
Great Exchange – Jesus, the completely innocent One, became sin with my sin and died on a cross, so that I, the guilty one, could receive His innocence.
Intercession – A third person coming between two others, making the case on behalf of one to the other
God’s forgiving, redeeming, restoring touch reaches into the darkest crevices of our souls, where we are most ashamed, defeated. – Dane Ortlund
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. —Hebrews 4:15,16
You’re not going to let me down.
You’re not going to let me drown.
You’re not going to let me fall.
You’ll answer me when I call.
Jesus, You are gentle and tender at heart, and You will never cast me out. I let You love me today, right now.
Father, please give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation, to know Jesus better. (Ephesians 1:17)
Recommended Book
Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund
Discussion Questions
1. Jesus said, “…All whom the Father gives Me …” Do you think of youself as a gift to Jesus? How does the Father see you?
2. What can we do when our sins make us feel unworthy of God? What do you get from the revelation in Hebrews 7 that Jesus is interceding for us?
3. What would you say to a victim of child abuse, rape or other tragedy who feels unworthy or unlovable?