Ephesians 1:7, "He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins."

Ephesians 2:12B-13, "You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to Him through the blood of Christ."

Think

Currency is an interesting thing. What might be valuable in one environment is worthless in another. The currency must match the context.

If you want something from a 4-year-old, don't bring a credit card because the currency is candy. If you want something from a remote tribe, don't bring $100 bills because the currency is food. And if you want a relationship with God, don't bring your best behavior because the currency is Jesus' blood.

The currency in God's economy starts with a sinless life. Nothing less will do. Because, just one bad mood, one prideful thought, one snippy response results in spiritual bankruptcy. It would be like trying to buy a car with Monopoly money! Knowing this, God sent His only Son to make the ultimate exchange: our sin for salvation, our guilt for grace, our failure for forgiveness. Only the currency of Christ, the blood of our sinless Savior, could cover our insurmountable debt. Jesus died on the cross and rose again to pave the way for us to have a relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Act

Are you trying to pay for something that only Jesus can afford? What actions in your life show you are trying to earn a relationship with God instead of trusting in Jesus' blood as the payment?

Pray

God, Thank You for sending Jesus to pay the ultimate price for my sin. Help me to be active in my faith and provide opportunities to share the reason for my hope – the currency of Christ – that others may experience intimacy with You as well. In Jesus' name, Amen.