And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Acts 3:16 (NKJV) Over the last number of days, we’ve been discussing what Jesus accomplished for us. While Jesus’ work definitely involves the forgiveness of our sins, it’s also about our authority as believers. Acts 3 tells the story of when Peter healed a man who was begging at a city gate. When people wondered how the man was healed, Peter made it very clear. The miracle happened through faith in the name of Jesus. Why is Jesus’ name so powerful? After Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus told the disciples that all authority had been given to Him in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Jesus has all authority, …

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30 (NKJV) We’ve been on a series about what Jesus accomplished for us over the last few days, and one thing that is very important to understand about is this. The work that Jesus did is finished. When believers think that they somehow have to earn the right to God’s blessings, it’s as if they’re trying to finish Jesus’ work. They know that Jesus ensured their sins could be forgiven and they could have a relationship with God, but forget that Jesus didn’t stop there. Jesus also took the sin nature of mankind, along with the curse that went with it. And …

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV) Through Jesus’ finished work of the cross, a brand new deal was struck with God. Everything before that point was under the old covenant. But a new agreement stood in its place afterward. The problem is that many people mix together the old and the new. When Paul wrote letters to the early churches, he continually corrected this issue. The early Christians seemed to have understood that they came into relationship with God through Christ without having to earn it. However, they kept thinking that they needed to earn the blessings of God through their …

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:17–18 (NKJV) When Jesus gave us the Great Commission, He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (NKJV). But He didn’t send us empty handed. He followed it up with verses 17 and 18, which speak of the power we walk in as believers. Because of the finished work of Jesus, God’s forgiveness is available to you; it was won for you by Jesus, and this is …

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”). Galatians 3:13 (NKJV) Instead of saying, “Hello,” when they greet each other, the people of the Northern Natal tribes of South Africa say, “Sawubona,” which means, “I see you.” It is a very personal greeting that has a unique depth to it. This is the way God greets you. When Jesus died on the cross, He died for the sin of mankind. But it wasn’t the crucifixion or the soldiers who killed Him. What killed Jesus was taking on the sin nature of mankind. You see, when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God and follow Satan’s …