The objective reality that we were all forgiven, atoned, reconciled, justified and made righteous at the cross is not dependent upon our subjective awareness of those results.

Every man, woman and child who has ever existed shares this same status before God. The problem is that very few know this and can live in the security and power of it.

Some think religious practice is the way to gain God's favor. The problem is that we already have His favor. Ultimately any effort at rule keeping and ritual observances are just efforts at self-righteousness. God does not require religious practice.

We are righteous, forgiven, justified and atoned because of what Jesus did in His life and death. We can't add one ounce of our own righteousness. All we can do is live in the awareness of what He has already done, for us and everyone.