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Atonement and Grace

Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!

This verse can be problematic for people.  The people of Israel had been following the law for many, many years, and not one of their hearts was changed by it.  The proof of that was their continuous struggle.  They continued to turn away from God time after time.  When Jesus comes, His purpose was not just to die for our sins.  God already had the atonement for sin in place with the law and sacrificial system.  Jesus came to fulfill the law in its entirety.  There is so much more to His calling, and we often overlook it.  Jesus' sacrifice takes care of our sin, and along with the atonement comes the incredible gift of Grace.  Grace is what brings complete righteousness because it changes us and transforms our lives into the new creation.  Jesus lives in us, as the Spirit transforms us.  Yes, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is important, and equally as important is the gift of Grace we were given through him.  We didn't just need Jesus for atonement; we needed him for his Grace (and Resurrection, but that's for another day). Christ did not die for nothing.  He died to atone for sin, transform us through Grace, and glorify the Father.

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