When Joni and I recently purchased a new house we visited the title company to sign the official documents. The person from the title company relentlessly pushed papers in front of us along with a brief description of what we were signing. My memory may not be exact but it was something like this.
This one says that the builder is transferring the deed to you. And this one says that you have paid the taxes that you owe to Caesar. This one says that you agree to let the HOA control everything you think and do. This one says that you are paying us random fees that you have no idea what they are or why they are needed but you have no choice. This one says a lawyer gets a lot of money for cut and pasting into a standard document. It was a mind-numbing process and by the end I probably would have signed anything put in front of me.
Title Company: “This one says you will give us a kidney if we ask you.”
Me: “Okay…Where do I sign?”
Seriously, we had carefully looked over the papers beforehand because we wanted to understand the significance of each document.
Later I wondering how a process like this could work when we decide to enter into a relationship with Jesus. What if we sat across from Jesus and signed off on everything He offered for our salvation? Would it help us to comprehend the amazing number of spiritual transactions that took place when Jesus became our substitute on the Cross? What would that closing appointment look like?
I imagined sitting down across from Jesus to close the deal. His smile was welcoming and kind as he arranged the papers on the table.
Jesus: I am rejoicing that you have decided to follow Me. Let’s start with this document. This is the Forgiveness contract. In this one all of your sins are forgiven. Past, present, and future. God the Father will remember them no more. Let me paraphrase how my servant Paul put it to the Roman believers.
Romans 8:1- So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Me.
Do you accept this offer?
Me: Absolutely!
Jesus: Next are the Adoption Papers. These say that you are now a child of God. You are no longer separated from the Father. Paul told the Galatians we are all children of God through faith. (Galatians 3:26) Just sign right here and know that now you are His beloved child. Trust me, that is a wonderful position to be in.
The next document is the Eternal Warranty. This says that I guarantee my work on the Cross forever. There is nothing Satan can do to change this agreement. I remember when I said this to John and he wrote it in His Gospel account.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. (John 10:28-29)
This can never be voided. You understand that I am guaranteeing this and you have to do nothing to keep it in place?
Me: I do. This is amazing.
Jesus: Sign here and I will tell you about our kingdom HOA agreement. It is a little different from your earthly version. It says here you have a home in Heaven and that you are part of the worldwide community of believers. That all of my followers will live together in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Paul explained it to the Corinthian Church…
For by one spirit we were all baptized into one body-whether Jews of Greeks, whether slaves or free-and have all been made to drink into one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13)
The next thing we need to look at is the Name Change document.
This one says you will have a new title. You are still Dave but you will be DBA (doing business as) with a new name. Saint. That’s right. All of my followers are saints because of their relationship with me.
Let’s talk about Dwelling Rights next. This document says the Holy Spirit will come to dwell in you. This is such good deal because the Spirit seals you and guides you every moment. You have the presence of God in you by simply agreeing with this truth. After you initial and sign that we will look at the Identity Protection contract.
This document says that you have a brand new identity and it cannot be taken away or hacked. It says that today you are spiritually regenerated as a result of the Holy Spirit and the power of the Gospel message that my Father gave to you through my life, death, and resurrection. Paul put in this way.
This means that anyone who belongs to (Me) has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Cor. 5:17)
You doing okay? You look a little overwhelmed. Let’s look at the Inheritance Clause. By agreeing to follow Me today you are now entitled to everything that the Father promises to Me. I know. That is amazing. There may be some trials along the way but it will be so worth it. Read what was written to the Roman Church.
And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. (Romans 8:17)
The next document says you don’t need to add anything else to complete this agreement. My sometimes impetuous child Peter said it very well.
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. (2 Peter 1:3)
Everything is being given to you at this moment and it further states that you are complete and lacking nothing. You have power over Satan and you don’t need to be a slave to sin. But never forget where that power comes from. You can’t do it without Me.
Any questions?
Me: This is unbelievable. Surely I have to bring something to the table to complete this deal?
Jesus: Did you bring your sin?
Me: Yes. Lots of it.
Jesus: Do you recognize that you are separated from God by that sin and need a Savior to be reconciled and made right with Him?
Me: Definitely
Jesus: Do you believe that I took on your sin, went to the Cross, was killed, buried and rose again on the 3rd day? Do you believe I am the way, the truth, and the life
Me: I do believe.
Jesus: Then you are paid in full. The contract is in effect and cannot be voided.
Me: Your grace is incomprehensible.
Jesus smiles and stands up. He moves toward me and embraces me.
There is one more thing I need to say. Welcome to the Family!
