Acts 13:38-39 (NIV)

"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is
proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you
could not be justified from by the law of Moses.
As Paul was speaking in the synagog at Antioch he made sure to let them know that this
new relationship with God provided complete justificationrighteousness imputed all the
time. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the
righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21). Prior to this time the best one could hope for was to pay
for their sin according to what was prescribed under the law which was a short-lived remedy
since it is impossible to live perfectly.
Paul's proclamation of God's grace challenges our comprehension. There is nothing in
this world that appears to be anything like this. Actions have consequences and the world's
system demands justice. That is because we live under the law in this world. You are required
to pay for your wrong actions and those who appear to get away without paying are scorned.
However, the wrongdoing can be paid for by another person. When children are small their
parents pay their debts. As they become adults paying their debts becomes counterproductive
as that person doesn't learn to accept responsibility. This being the case, how can we mature
if Jesus pays our debt?
As a Christ-follower you have someone who is continually seeking to change you. He is
not doing this by pointing out your faults, but by revealing his solutions. When Jesus prepared
to leave this world his disciples became anxious. How would they learn if their teacher was
leaving? Jesus assured them that there is a better plan. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of
everything I have said to you (John 14:26). With this personal guidance and direction every
believer would have someone who was teaching and reminding them; each could choose a
better way or continue in error.
There can be a tendency for some to be anxious about giving too much grace, but our
Father has no such concern. Grace always works for good since the recipient knows it is
undeserved. Without that it is not grace at all but simply license. Grace embraces change
while license makes excuses. License compromises with the devil. While we do not loose our
right standing with God we open our lives to difficulties, trials, poverty, sickness, and the list
goes on. We are not condemned but the worldly consequences can be real.
But when this priest (Jesus) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down
at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his
footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being
made holy (Heb. 10:12-14).