What power does genuine belief in Christ's finished work give a believer?
Genuine belief in Christ's finished work gives the believer power to live a life pleasing in His sight. When one truly and honestly believes Christ accomplished everything needed on their behalf, God moves in and supplies that enabling power, even though believers may stumble; He forgives, cleanses, and tells them to move on.
Les explains that this great covering of the garments of salvation is imputed, a bookkeeping term meaning to put to the account. God's righteousness is imputed to us and covers us because we have believed what He has done on our behalf. He addresses the objection that belief does not seem to work, saying that if a person remains defeated, something is wrong in the believing end. When we truly and honestly believe Christ accomplished everything needed on our behalf, He moves right in and gives the power to live a life pleasing in His sight. Les notes believers will fall and trip, but God is like a patient young mother who picks us up, forgives, cleanses, and says move on. He distinguishes genuine concern from a flash-in-the-pan ritual.