The merits of our Redeemer are a sweet fragrance to God. Whether we speak of Christ's active or passive righteousness, the aroma is equally pleasing. His active life honored God's law, making every command shine like a jewel in His own perfect life. His passive obedience was evident as He endured hunger, thirst, cold, and even sweat drops of blood in Gethsemane. He gave His back to be beaten, His cheeks to be struck, and was nailed to the cross, suffering God's wrath for us.

Both of these are delightful to God. Because of His life and death, His suffering and obedience, God accepts us. What worth must He possess to cover our shortcomings! What a cleansing fragrance to replace our foulness! His blood cleanses our sin completely.

His righteousness transforms us from unacceptable to accepted in the Beloved. Believer, notice how secure your acceptance is since it rests in Him. Never doubt your acceptance in Jesus. Without Christ, there's no acceptance, but with His merit, you're never rejected.

Despite your doubts, fears, and sins, God never looks at you in anger. Even when He sees sin in you, through Christ, He sees none. You're always accepted in Him, always cherished by the Father. So lift up your voice in praise, and as the Savior's merit rises like incense before the throne, let your praises rise too.