Many of us who’ve been in church most of our lives and become believers along the way sometimes take for granted that Jesus is our Savior. Have you taken time lately to consider what it means to have Jesus in your life?
As Dr. Henry Morris III points out this month in his article “Creator, Redeemer, King,” Jesus’ name Immanuel is translated “God with us.” God with us. What does it mean to share life with the Creator of the universe?
God comforts and heals, helps us when we struggle, and provides grace to persevere in suffering. 
If we’ve accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation, we are never alone. We enjoy the presence of almighty God every second of every day. He’s always available for conversation—we always have Someone to talk to. He walks through life with us—He is there in our celebration, defeat, fear, uncertainty, strength, weakness, and grief. He provides wisdom and guidance as we make decisions. He assures us that He has a plan for our lives, and He orchestrates circumstances to fit with that plan. He works all things for our good in His time. He comforts and heals, helps us when we struggle, and provides grace to persevere in suffering. Dr. Morris reminds us that He is “full of grace and truth.” And this ever-present God of grace lives in us.
Dr. Morris says Christ’s redemption is sufficient and satisfactory for “the sins of the whole world.” When God looks at us, He sees Jesus because Jesus, our Redeemer, paid the price for our sin—past, present, and future. As Brian Thomas notes, “Jesus is the last Adam—the first Adam brought death, but the last Adam brings life for those who trust Him” (“Four Observations Evolution Can’t Explain”).
Our identity rests in Jesus. God sees us as clean, complete, and chosen children of God (1 John 1:7; Colossians 2:9-10; 1 Peter 2:9). Henry Morris IV says, “This perfect gift is the reason we celebrate Christ’s birth on Christmas Day….What joy is ours to accept it, knowing we shall spend eternity in heaven with Him!” (“God’s Greatest Gift”).
We don’t have to die to enjoy the blessings of salvation. Eternity begins the moment we accept Christ. We have new life—He lives in us. God’s free gift of salvation takes away all shame and blame, and we have the awesome privilege of walking in newness of life, having “God with us” every day. This new life, walking with our Savior, is something to celebrate at Christmas and all year round!
* Jayme Durant is Director of Communications at the Institute for Creation Research.
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