In Touch - Dec. 3, 2007

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2007 Dec 03

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

December 3, 2007 – A Relationship With God – 1 John 4:7-10

Welcome to the In Touch Devotional.

Intimate relationships are characterized by a close connection to another person and a commitment to his or her well-being. In other words, acquaintances have superficial information about us, but true friends know our deeper emotions, thoughts, and desires.

God, who is perfect and holy, has always desired such a personal relationship with man, but human sinfulness made that seem impossible. For one thing, we all have rebelled against God’s authority and deserve the death penalty (Romans 3:23; 6:23). But more than that, we were born with a corrupt nature inherited from Adam (Psalm 51:5), and neither good works nor moral values can overcome it.

God alone could remedy the situation. His solution is to change our nature so we can be in His family. Nonetheless, divine justice must still be satisfied, and only a perfect sacrifice can pay for our sins (Deuteronomy 17:1). God requires the death of someone without a sin nature as payment for our debt. Throughout history, just one qualified: Jesus, the perfect God-man, who gave His life (Hebrews 4:15) so we could have a relationship with the Father. Our friendship with God came at a very high price to Him—the death of His beloved Son.

The Father has done everything necessary for us to be in His family and experience intimacy with Him. Have you entered into a relationship with Him through the saving work of His Son? If not, make today your spiritual birthday by receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. This Christmas season, discover the gifts of freedom, satisfaction, and joy found only in Him.

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The Life Principles Bible