Some believers do not understand the difference between the righteousness of Moses and the one that comes through Jesus Christ. The children of Israel tried to obey the Ten Commandments through human efforts because the breach of any of it attracts severe punishment. They were helpless, as great prophets and leaders including Elijah, David, Moses, among others could not help them to keep God’s commandments. But Christ brought the gospel of righteousness to the world and promised to abide in any believer who lets Him in through the door of his heart. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me,” (Revelation 3:20). Christ’s presence within empowers us with the grace to live a righteous life. This is the power of God in man.

Knowledge of Christ through theology or religious studies is not enough. We must receive Him into our hearts and allow His word to guide us. Preserving God’s word in our hearts will constantly remind us of Christ, our Saviour, and enable us to follow the right path that leads to heaven. If we truly have the gospel of Christ in us, we must concentrate our attention on the Lord without allowing distractions.

The love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary should also compel us to act by love as we overlook offenses and forgive every provocation. Whether at home, school or workplace, we are expected to express the love of Christ to others. As believers, our comportment, language, dressing and relationship should reflect God’s grace in our lives. We must live to please Him in all things without being ashamed of the gospel of Christ. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Everyone who has been redeemed, experiences total transformation that comes through a glorious resurrection. After Christ’s resurrection, He appeared to His disciples on several occasions in a supernatural way without obstruction. Believers who are “risen with Jesus Christ” operate in the realm of the supernatural because the limitation of the old life gives way to the new.

Christians who truly love Christ and the glories of heaven always “set (their) affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” They understand that what they think about every time has influence and power over them. Unfortunately, today, many professing believers think and talk more about witches and wizards and their activities than they do about Jesus Christ. They magnify the power of Satan more than that of Jesus Christ; and because of their confession, they experience defeat. Having “delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son,” the Lord wants us to realise that curses and spells, diseases and sicknesses from the enemy do not have power over us. Raised up together with Jesus and seated in heavenly places with Him, we remain untouchable. To experience God’s power and receive more of His revelation, our focus must be on heaven and its glories.

God answers believers’ prayer on the basis of grace. Because of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, He grants us freedom from oppression, healing from sicknesses and deliverance from attacks of the enemy when we pray. Prayer is presenting our requests before God. If an earthly father cannot deny the legitimate requests of his children, God cannot deny the petition of believers who pray according to His will. God is not a liar; His promise to every Christian is: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” (Matthew 7:7). Salvation, healing, deliverance, fruitfulness, provision and promotion are available for everyone who asks in faith. If we “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving,” we shall enjoy daily victory and divine protection.
• Further reading (King James Version): Colossians 1: 1, 2; 4:18; Colossians 2:6; 3:16,13,14,15,17; Romans 1:16,17; Colossians 3:1,2; 1:13; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1,2; 1:13; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 4:2.