The Son of God isn't like any other man you may have seen or encountered. Yes, at one point in time, there was a Man who came from the glorious expanse of heaven, who walked the earth, and who dined and made friends with sinners. His name was called Immanuel, but you may know Him as Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is the One Man who changed the course of history for all men throughout time, and forevermore.
Around two-thousand years ago, the Great I AM stepped out of the realm of eternity and into time, emptying Himself into humanity, for the sake of humanity. He was fully God in every sense of the word, but, He was also fully man. The God of the universe became a baby, dependent on His mother's care, He grew and increased in wisdom in the sight of men, He went through all the same stages of adolescence that we would go through, was made strong in Spirit, and was completely perfect. He was Divine. There was nothing impure about Him. He never did anything wrong. There was no sin to be found in this Man that became the world's Savior.
His entire life was one spent about His Father's business. He came as servant, sent for the purpose of death. The cross was His ultimate destiny, and, was His ultimate plan for the salvation of all who would believe in His name and come to Him. The perfect will of the Father was the most painful place for Jesus, but His death on the cross become the cornerstone of our faith and our hope. Without Jesus, redemption for mankind would not have been possible.
Heaven was His origin, earth was just His visitation. Jesus' Kingdom was not of this world - Jesus' Kingdom was one that is far above all powers and principalities, and He, the most High King and One True Potentate, to which we all must one day answer to. He created the universe, the world, and all men, women, and children who inhabit it. It was by His love and mercy that He made us, and gave us life - and it was also His love and mercy that compelled Him to come down from heaven to save us from our sins when we fell. There has never been anyone quite like Him. His mercy is unfathomable.
Heaven and earth are Jesus' jurisdiction. He is in control of all things, and nothing goes unnoticed by Him. He keeps watch on both the evil and the good, and will recompense to all people's according to their ways. He is King and will deal prudently, and accordingly. When we declared war on Him, He sought peace and reconciliation.
Jesus is set apart from all the rest. His claims about His identidy, combined with the miracles that He performed testfied that He wasn't just any man. Many 'saviors' throughout time have come and gone, but none have ever claimed to be the God of heaven, while simultaneously giving very credible evidence to support it. Jesus did just that. No matter where you may look, none have ever left the kind of influential mark on history that Jesus Christ did, and certainly no one ever demonstrated and proved their Messiah-ship by rising from the dead. Except for Jesus.
Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that if anyone wanted to gain access to the Father, they must go through Him. Just in that one claim alone, we're left with a Man who brought division, and who demands a decision. He didn't leave open any doors for different thoughts or interpretation about who He was. He is either the Son of God, or He isn't.
This Man who came out of Nazareth accomplished for us what no one else ever could. He was the eternal God who related to us on a very personal level, by becoming one of us, so He could indentify with us and have compassion for our weaknesses, having experienced them Himself, and provide the means through which we could be reborn and saved. Jesus suffered the horrible torture and humiliation of crucifixion in order to forgive us of our sins, and bring reconciliation to our doorstep. It was the perfect exchange, the perfect transaction. Jesus offered up His pure life for the profane - the perfect for the perverted - the holy for the depraved - the righteous for the unrighteous.
Jesus died in our stead so that we could be saved. His death wasn't the death of a martyr, it was the atoning death of the One True King who willingly laid down His life - and who took it back up again when He was resurrected. He wasn't the victim of a vicious crime or human tragedy, He was fulfilling His Divine mission. It was God Himself putting His perfect plan of salvation into action. Though Pilate, Herod, the Pharisees, among many other did not yet know it, the King was doing this for their benefit, and for the world. Oh how great the mercy of God!
His death on the cross demonstrated to us two things. His sacrificial love for man, and His absolute hatred for sin. If because of our sin the very Son of God endured the brutal beatings, savagery and agony of the cross, our sin must be a repulsive sight for God to behold. The good news is that, Christ's death on the cross purchased for us a gift of pardon - that we could be forgiven, and spend eternity in heaven, in the presence of the living God who loves us with an everlasting love.
If one sees the Son of God, he sees no less than God Himself. In Him we have assurance, and in Him we have a hope that no scheme of hell can take away from us. Jesus is Savior and Lord, come to HIm and be reconciled. He is waiting for you!
"In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:11-15 nkjv).
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11 nkjv).
"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."" (John 14:6 nkjv).
Monday, December 10, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
The Word of Truth
Studying the Scriptures is an important thing. Many times throughout Paul's letters to Timothy, he exhorts him to do such things like giving heed to sound doctrine, to give himself over to reading and studying the Scriptures, and to rightly divide the word of truth - being fully equipped and prepared for the work of ministry.
What an awesome lesson for us as young men in the faith today. To give ourselves over to reading and studying God's word, to know thoroughly, as much as possible, what we believe, and why we believe it. It's important to know our faith - not just simply 'believe' it. I'm not saying that belief isn't good enough, but, I do believe it must also be accompanied by a sincere desire to learn more of Christ, to explore and discover the riches of God's Word, and to share it with those who contradict. The faith and hope in Christ we possess is a treasure trove, waiting to be dug into. The riches of God's wisdom and knowledge are unlike anything else, and to have the opportunity and privilege to dig into those riches of wisdom and knowledge are a truly amazing thing.
We're living at a time when error and vain philosophy are at the forefront of our culture. Virtually anything can be taught and accepted by our modern day society as 'truth', without any further questioning. But, our world has become one where truth is simply a matter of relativism. What's true for one guy may not be true for the other, and vice-versa. With this, there is no definitive point of reference for what we call 'truth'. The common notion is that, we must be tolerant of other people's beliefs and points of view. But as most anyone will tell you, that notion of tolerance ends the moment one brings the Cross into the picture. Now we're being offensive. We must be tolerant of all beliefs - except Christianity. This is where being a good soldier for Christ is important, because it means business and hardship.
I'm writing this post because, the gospel of God brings light and knowledge to darkened minds and alienated souls. People are in search of truth, but don't know where to find it - and so they feed into the lies and error that permeate our culture. The philosophical views of men have an outward appearance of wisdom, but it's end is destruction, and it's adherents become fools in the sight of God. God gave us His Word for a reason, that we might know the one True God, and become enlightened through the hope of His gospel.
Many skeptics and atheists challenge the Bible's authenticity, veracity, and credibility - and unfortunately, many Christians aren't well equipped in putting forth a defense because we haven't really studied our faith well enough to articulate a sound reason for believing in Jesus. If our defense to why we believe is the same as how we believe, it won't do much good for those who challenge us. We must study our Bibles, give heed to sound doctrine, be intent in reading, and dig deeper into the nuts and bolts of our Christian faith, that we may be instant in season and out of season, and to exhort with all longsuffering and teaching.
Our world is full of vain, hollow, and shallow philosophies and mindsets. False doctrines are not hard to come by, even by other professing Christians and teachers who distort the Word of God for dishonest gain and accolade. But we must be sober, diligent in the Word, and sound in the faith - having Christ as our head, and our King - being subject to Him, and in all things, showing love and compassion, teaching with all meekness and gentleness. Always remembering Jesus gave His life for us, and that the mercy with which He lavished on us, He desires the same for others also. We must be on our gaurd against the schemes of the devil, because he is crafty. But Christ is superior, and His word is infallible.
Paul say to Timothy in 2nd Timothy chapter 2 verse 15 and 16, 'Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness." We have the truth, and God has given it to us. Jesus is the truth that the world is searching for, but fails to recognize. He revealed Himself to us, gave us His word, and proved His Deity and supremacy to us through His resurrection. He is the firm foundation we can build our lives on without fear of collapse.
Remain in Jesus, study His word, and be diligent to know the faith of Christ and His gospel. It is the essence of our hope - and power of God unto salvation. It is by God that we even have the ability to reason, and to think, and to have the capacity to understand what is true and what is not. God gave us our minds so that we might use them and glorify Him. Only Jesus has the words of eternal life - and this cannot be found in any new age teaching or philosophical way of thinking. They do not bring life, and they are unable to save the soul. Weighed in the balances and found wanting are all counterfeits that claim to be 'truth', but neither know nor have Jesus Christ and Lord and Savior.
"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:14-17 nkjv).
"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21 nkjv).
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed." (1 Peter 3:15,16 nkjv).
What an awesome lesson for us as young men in the faith today. To give ourselves over to reading and studying God's word, to know thoroughly, as much as possible, what we believe, and why we believe it. It's important to know our faith - not just simply 'believe' it. I'm not saying that belief isn't good enough, but, I do believe it must also be accompanied by a sincere desire to learn more of Christ, to explore and discover the riches of God's Word, and to share it with those who contradict. The faith and hope in Christ we possess is a treasure trove, waiting to be dug into. The riches of God's wisdom and knowledge are unlike anything else, and to have the opportunity and privilege to dig into those riches of wisdom and knowledge are a truly amazing thing.
We're living at a time when error and vain philosophy are at the forefront of our culture. Virtually anything can be taught and accepted by our modern day society as 'truth', without any further questioning. But, our world has become one where truth is simply a matter of relativism. What's true for one guy may not be true for the other, and vice-versa. With this, there is no definitive point of reference for what we call 'truth'. The common notion is that, we must be tolerant of other people's beliefs and points of view. But as most anyone will tell you, that notion of tolerance ends the moment one brings the Cross into the picture. Now we're being offensive. We must be tolerant of all beliefs - except Christianity. This is where being a good soldier for Christ is important, because it means business and hardship.
I'm writing this post because, the gospel of God brings light and knowledge to darkened minds and alienated souls. People are in search of truth, but don't know where to find it - and so they feed into the lies and error that permeate our culture. The philosophical views of men have an outward appearance of wisdom, but it's end is destruction, and it's adherents become fools in the sight of God. God gave us His Word for a reason, that we might know the one True God, and become enlightened through the hope of His gospel.
Many skeptics and atheists challenge the Bible's authenticity, veracity, and credibility - and unfortunately, many Christians aren't well equipped in putting forth a defense because we haven't really studied our faith well enough to articulate a sound reason for believing in Jesus. If our defense to why we believe is the same as how we believe, it won't do much good for those who challenge us. We must study our Bibles, give heed to sound doctrine, be intent in reading, and dig deeper into the nuts and bolts of our Christian faith, that we may be instant in season and out of season, and to exhort with all longsuffering and teaching.
Our world is full of vain, hollow, and shallow philosophies and mindsets. False doctrines are not hard to come by, even by other professing Christians and teachers who distort the Word of God for dishonest gain and accolade. But we must be sober, diligent in the Word, and sound in the faith - having Christ as our head, and our King - being subject to Him, and in all things, showing love and compassion, teaching with all meekness and gentleness. Always remembering Jesus gave His life for us, and that the mercy with which He lavished on us, He desires the same for others also. We must be on our gaurd against the schemes of the devil, because he is crafty. But Christ is superior, and His word is infallible.
Paul say to Timothy in 2nd Timothy chapter 2 verse 15 and 16, 'Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness." We have the truth, and God has given it to us. Jesus is the truth that the world is searching for, but fails to recognize. He revealed Himself to us, gave us His word, and proved His Deity and supremacy to us through His resurrection. He is the firm foundation we can build our lives on without fear of collapse.
Remain in Jesus, study His word, and be diligent to know the faith of Christ and His gospel. It is the essence of our hope - and power of God unto salvation. It is by God that we even have the ability to reason, and to think, and to have the capacity to understand what is true and what is not. God gave us our minds so that we might use them and glorify Him. Only Jesus has the words of eternal life - and this cannot be found in any new age teaching or philosophical way of thinking. They do not bring life, and they are unable to save the soul. Weighed in the balances and found wanting are all counterfeits that claim to be 'truth', but neither know nor have Jesus Christ and Lord and Savior.
"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:14-17 nkjv).
"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21 nkjv).
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed." (1 Peter 3:15,16 nkjv).
Friday, December 7, 2012
The Living Water, The Living God
Water is an interesting thing we have here on planet earth. In fact, it's not only interesting, it's an essential part of life. We cannot live without this stuff we call 'water'. It is calculated that about 70% of our globe is covered by water, and about 60% of our own bodies are comprised of water. Water is everywhere and it is an amazing thing the Lord has given us.
The composition of water is a miracle in and of itself. Water is made up of hydrogen ions linked together with hydroxyl ions, to form the molecular combination of H20. The molecular weight for water is 18 grams - which can also be referred to as 1 mole of water. Now, what's cool about this is that just one mole (18 grams) of water contains an unbelievable amount of molecules. The number is huge. In scientific notation, the number is 6.02 x 10 to the 23rd power. The number we have represented here is 602 billion trillion. Written out, this number would be 602,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. That's how many water molecules are contained in just 1 mole of water.
The mind of God is incredible and incomprehensible. Many people have a difficult time believing the miracle that Jesus walked on water, but truly, Jesus has already demonstrated a miracle before our eyes in the very composition of water.
Now, I'm writing this for a very specific purpose. Water is an essential and vital part of our lives, without it, we would die. We need this water to stay healthy and hydrated. It cleanses our systems from impurities, keeps our bodies functioning properly, and acts as an antioxidant and replenishes the whole body. In a nutshell, water is a very good and beneficial thing for us. It gives us life. But while this water sustains the physical body, there is another that sustains the soul.
In John chapter 4 verses 13 and 14, Jesus is speaking with a woman of Samaria who came to draw water, and says this, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water sprining up into everlasting life." Further on in the exchange, Jesus discloses to her the He is the Messiah that Israel and the world had been waiting for (John 4:21-26).
We all get thirsty, and have this need for that thirst to be quenched. It's inbuilt in us, it's instinct. But our thirst goes much deeper than that of the physical. Jesus said that He Himself would give us the water that would spring up into everlasting life. But this isn't just a superficial, natural thirst of the body - Jesus was appealing to something far more important and necessary - the thirst of our souls. He explained that this thirst is a reality, every person has it, and only He is the One who is able to quench this thirst. Unless our bodies receive water, we die. Likewise our souls, if they do not receive the Living Water, they too will die.
It's fascinating to me because, Jesus didn't just say He would provide that water, but He indentified Himself as that Living Water. Jesus said in John chapter 7 verses 37 through 39 - ". . ."If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would recieve. . ." It's also interesting because in Jeremiah chapter 2 verse 13, God is speaking to Israel and pleading with them because they have forsaken Him, and He says that they have 'forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters. . .'
Jesus is the Living Water, and the Living God. Without Jesus, we are headed towards death. We need Jesus to revive us and bring us back to life. He is the living Water that will sustain us eternally, that beautiful fountain that never fails, and never runs dry. If we come to Jesus in repentance, believing on His name, He will give us freely that living water that springs up into life everlasting - and there is not a single man living who is not desperately in need of this life-giving, soul saving Water. Apart from Jesus, we are as good as dead. He came so that we might be saved, and have life eternal in His name. If a man has Jesus, he has the Father also - he does not need to work or earn his way into heaven - there is no application process or forms to fill out upon entering - one does not need a greencard to get into heaven - one does not have to go through a waiting period - Jesus registers our names in heaven, in His book, the very moment we come to Him in faith, believing in Him. He cleanses us from all of our sin and unrighteousness, and buries them in the deepest ocean, never again to be remembered against us. Jesus mediated for us, and gave us entrance into heaven through His death on the cross.
But, only those who come to Jesus for forgivness and salvation are afforded this awesome gift. He extends this gift of pardon to all men, but we need to receive it. Jesus said in John chapter 6 verse 37 "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out". In another place, the prophet Isaiah, through the Spirit says in 55:7 "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
Jesus has done much for us. He has purchased for us eternal life. Let us enter into that life, and be swept away by the flood of God's mercy. He is the Living Water. If we abide in Him, we will be as well watered gardens - enduring into eternity with the One who died on a tree to save us from our sins. Jesus Christ is our light, our life, and our salvation - the Living Water in whom we are restored to eternal life.
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-27 nkjv).
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. . ." (John 11:25,26 nkjv).
"And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17 nkjv).
The composition of water is a miracle in and of itself. Water is made up of hydrogen ions linked together with hydroxyl ions, to form the molecular combination of H20. The molecular weight for water is 18 grams - which can also be referred to as 1 mole of water. Now, what's cool about this is that just one mole (18 grams) of water contains an unbelievable amount of molecules. The number is huge. In scientific notation, the number is 6.02 x 10 to the 23rd power. The number we have represented here is 602 billion trillion. Written out, this number would be 602,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. That's how many water molecules are contained in just 1 mole of water.
The mind of God is incredible and incomprehensible. Many people have a difficult time believing the miracle that Jesus walked on water, but truly, Jesus has already demonstrated a miracle before our eyes in the very composition of water.
Now, I'm writing this for a very specific purpose. Water is an essential and vital part of our lives, without it, we would die. We need this water to stay healthy and hydrated. It cleanses our systems from impurities, keeps our bodies functioning properly, and acts as an antioxidant and replenishes the whole body. In a nutshell, water is a very good and beneficial thing for us. It gives us life. But while this water sustains the physical body, there is another that sustains the soul.
In John chapter 4 verses 13 and 14, Jesus is speaking with a woman of Samaria who came to draw water, and says this, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water sprining up into everlasting life." Further on in the exchange, Jesus discloses to her the He is the Messiah that Israel and the world had been waiting for (John 4:21-26).
We all get thirsty, and have this need for that thirst to be quenched. It's inbuilt in us, it's instinct. But our thirst goes much deeper than that of the physical. Jesus said that He Himself would give us the water that would spring up into everlasting life. But this isn't just a superficial, natural thirst of the body - Jesus was appealing to something far more important and necessary - the thirst of our souls. He explained that this thirst is a reality, every person has it, and only He is the One who is able to quench this thirst. Unless our bodies receive water, we die. Likewise our souls, if they do not receive the Living Water, they too will die.
It's fascinating to me because, Jesus didn't just say He would provide that water, but He indentified Himself as that Living Water. Jesus said in John chapter 7 verses 37 through 39 - ". . ."If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would recieve. . ." It's also interesting because in Jeremiah chapter 2 verse 13, God is speaking to Israel and pleading with them because they have forsaken Him, and He says that they have 'forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters. . .'
Jesus is the Living Water, and the Living God. Without Jesus, we are headed towards death. We need Jesus to revive us and bring us back to life. He is the living Water that will sustain us eternally, that beautiful fountain that never fails, and never runs dry. If we come to Jesus in repentance, believing on His name, He will give us freely that living water that springs up into life everlasting - and there is not a single man living who is not desperately in need of this life-giving, soul saving Water. Apart from Jesus, we are as good as dead. He came so that we might be saved, and have life eternal in His name. If a man has Jesus, he has the Father also - he does not need to work or earn his way into heaven - there is no application process or forms to fill out upon entering - one does not need a greencard to get into heaven - one does not have to go through a waiting period - Jesus registers our names in heaven, in His book, the very moment we come to Him in faith, believing in Him. He cleanses us from all of our sin and unrighteousness, and buries them in the deepest ocean, never again to be remembered against us. Jesus mediated for us, and gave us entrance into heaven through His death on the cross.
But, only those who come to Jesus for forgivness and salvation are afforded this awesome gift. He extends this gift of pardon to all men, but we need to receive it. Jesus said in John chapter 6 verse 37 "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out". In another place, the prophet Isaiah, through the Spirit says in 55:7 "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
Jesus has done much for us. He has purchased for us eternal life. Let us enter into that life, and be swept away by the flood of God's mercy. He is the Living Water. If we abide in Him, we will be as well watered gardens - enduring into eternity with the One who died on a tree to save us from our sins. Jesus Christ is our light, our life, and our salvation - the Living Water in whom we are restored to eternal life.
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-27 nkjv).
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. . ." (John 11:25,26 nkjv).
"And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17 nkjv).
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Jesus - Our High Priest
I have just concluded today my daily reading through the book of Hebrews. I have to say, Hebrews has become one of my favorite books of the Bible. Mainly because there is so much to be learned about Jesus in it. This litarary work of the Scriptures is incredibly rich in it's content, and the theological depth of it is immense. I thoroughly enjoy reading, digesting, and meditating on the things that are written in it.
No one knows for sure just who wrote Hebrews. From what I 've heard, most scholars and Bible teachers generally agree that it may have been written by Paul the apostle, but with one catch. It lacks many of the trademark features that Paul's epistles normally contained, such as his signature greeting, praises of thanksgiving, his closing exhortations, and his signature sign-off. This doesn't necessarily mean he did not write it, but it does cast doubt on the possibility. I've also heard that either Apollos or Barnabas could have written it. Whatever the case may be, the man of God who wrote it was truly a man of God indeed, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to write the words exactly as God saw fit to put them.
As I said before, there is much to be learned about the Person, ministry, and mission of Jesus Christ. The Deity of Jesus is clearly seen right at the beginning to the book in chapter 1 verse 3 where it say that He was the 'express image of His person'. I like the way the writer puts it. When we are seeing Jesus, when we gaze upon Jesus, we are looking at the personification of the eternal God. When we are reading about and studying the Person of Jesus, we're really studying God Himself. God is triune, consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each distinct, and yet One. This is an amazing thought, and far beyond human comprehension. But it is true, we can be sure that when Jesus said the 'before Abraham was, I am' in John chapter 8 verse 58, it was none other than God Himself testifying that He is who He says He is.
As you read on deeper into the book of Hebrews, you find much written about the old covenant, the tabernacle, and the earthly ministry of the priests. You will also find so much written about Christ, and the superiority of His finished work at the cross, and how the earthly ministy - the sacrificing of bulls and goats for sin - was superseded by Jesus finished work at the cross of Calvary, because He Himself became the perfect sacrifice for us. Jesus died in our stead that we might inherit eternal life in His name.
Jesus, as the writer says, was the Mediator of a better covenant for us that was established upon better promises. When Jesus came to earth in the form of a baby, He was destined for the cross. His death demonstrated that God is for us, not against us. He died so that we and God could be reconciled. It's fascinating to me how Jesus entered into what was called the 'Holy of Holies' for us. This was a place inside the Tabernacle that contained the Ark of the Covenant rested. Once a year, the high priest would enter into the Holy of Holies, and sprinkle the blood on the mercy sit to make reconciliation for the sins of himself, and for the sins of the people. When blood was applied, the law no longer testified against the people.
But Jesus, being the Author and Finisher of our faith, and Mediator of a better covenant, entered into the Holy of Holies for us, having died on the cross, and purchasing for us eternal redemtion. The blood of animals could not fully cleanse a sin sick soul, it required the blood of a Perfect Man. God stepped off His throne, and emptied Himself for us, that we might be filled with Himself, and clothed with His everlasting Righteousness. It was at the cross where Jesus paid the ultimate penalty for our sins, and this He did once for all men for all time. It was the perfect gift, it was the perfect sacrifice. Like the high priest of the Levitical priesthood in the days of Moses and Aaron, Jesus became our faithful High Priest, and made Himself the sacrifice for us. Truly no greater act of mercy has ever been done!
All because of what Jesus did for us at the cross, we can now approach His throne and find grace. Jesus bought us gifts we could have otherwise never gotten ourselves - forgiveness, redemption, salvation, reconciliation, eternal life - these are what He offers us if we simply come to the foot of the cross, and recieve what He did for us. Jesus is the One and only King who came from heaven to earth, to show Himself to us, teach us, lead us and guide us, and die for us. He is our Shepherd, and He is our King. There is much more in the book of Hebrews that I haven't touched on, but I am in awe of what is in there, and so for at the present time, I think what's written in this latest blog post will do.
No one knows for sure just who wrote Hebrews. From what I 've heard, most scholars and Bible teachers generally agree that it may have been written by Paul the apostle, but with one catch. It lacks many of the trademark features that Paul's epistles normally contained, such as his signature greeting, praises of thanksgiving, his closing exhortations, and his signature sign-off. This doesn't necessarily mean he did not write it, but it does cast doubt on the possibility. I've also heard that either Apollos or Barnabas could have written it. Whatever the case may be, the man of God who wrote it was truly a man of God indeed, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to write the words exactly as God saw fit to put them.
As I said before, there is much to be learned about the Person, ministry, and mission of Jesus Christ. The Deity of Jesus is clearly seen right at the beginning to the book in chapter 1 verse 3 where it say that He was the 'express image of His person'. I like the way the writer puts it. When we are seeing Jesus, when we gaze upon Jesus, we are looking at the personification of the eternal God. When we are reading about and studying the Person of Jesus, we're really studying God Himself. God is triune, consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each distinct, and yet One. This is an amazing thought, and far beyond human comprehension. But it is true, we can be sure that when Jesus said the 'before Abraham was, I am' in John chapter 8 verse 58, it was none other than God Himself testifying that He is who He says He is.
As you read on deeper into the book of Hebrews, you find much written about the old covenant, the tabernacle, and the earthly ministry of the priests. You will also find so much written about Christ, and the superiority of His finished work at the cross, and how the earthly ministy - the sacrificing of bulls and goats for sin - was superseded by Jesus finished work at the cross of Calvary, because He Himself became the perfect sacrifice for us. Jesus died in our stead that we might inherit eternal life in His name.
Jesus, as the writer says, was the Mediator of a better covenant for us that was established upon better promises. When Jesus came to earth in the form of a baby, He was destined for the cross. His death demonstrated that God is for us, not against us. He died so that we and God could be reconciled. It's fascinating to me how Jesus entered into what was called the 'Holy of Holies' for us. This was a place inside the Tabernacle that contained the Ark of the Covenant rested. Once a year, the high priest would enter into the Holy of Holies, and sprinkle the blood on the mercy sit to make reconciliation for the sins of himself, and for the sins of the people. When blood was applied, the law no longer testified against the people.
But Jesus, being the Author and Finisher of our faith, and Mediator of a better covenant, entered into the Holy of Holies for us, having died on the cross, and purchasing for us eternal redemtion. The blood of animals could not fully cleanse a sin sick soul, it required the blood of a Perfect Man. God stepped off His throne, and emptied Himself for us, that we might be filled with Himself, and clothed with His everlasting Righteousness. It was at the cross where Jesus paid the ultimate penalty for our sins, and this He did once for all men for all time. It was the perfect gift, it was the perfect sacrifice. Like the high priest of the Levitical priesthood in the days of Moses and Aaron, Jesus became our faithful High Priest, and made Himself the sacrifice for us. Truly no greater act of mercy has ever been done!
All because of what Jesus did for us at the cross, we can now approach His throne and find grace. Jesus bought us gifts we could have otherwise never gotten ourselves - forgiveness, redemption, salvation, reconciliation, eternal life - these are what He offers us if we simply come to the foot of the cross, and recieve what He did for us. Jesus is the One and only King who came from heaven to earth, to show Himself to us, teach us, lead us and guide us, and die for us. He is our Shepherd, and He is our King. There is much more in the book of Hebrews that I haven't touched on, but I am in awe of what is in there, and so for at the present time, I think what's written in this latest blog post will do.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Jesus Christ; Our Forerunner
Jesus Christ came to earth to seek and to save the lost. This was His mission, this was His ministry. He is in the business of saving lives, not destroying them. He incarnated Himself to us at the virgin birth all those years ago, and for the first time, the world was touched by the grace and truth of Jesus and all men saw the salvation of God. The love of God was manifested in the flesh, being made like a man just as we, and offering up Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. He was perfect, there was no evil or deceit found in Him. You may be familiar with the rituals and ordinances in the days of the priesthood in the Old Testament, where the High Priest, appointed under Aaron, would enter into the Holy of Holies to offer a sacrifice for the sins of his people, as well as for his own. The High Priest would offer up the blood of calves and goats according to the law. For without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. Forgiveness and atonement was impossible unless the sacrifice were made possible. For although the blood of bulls and goats covered sin, they could not take the problem of sin away once and for all. They were imperfect sacrifices. They could cover the sin outwardly, but concerning the heart, was not able to provide a full cleansing. It wasn’t that the law was imperfect - the law is holy, just, and true. The problem is us - we don’t find fault with the law, the law found fault with us, and so it condemns us. Because the law is not only physical, but spiritual, we are now in a position where the law condemns our inward thoughts and the intents of our hearts. It is not just the external man and what he does that is evil, but the inner man is evil also. What we do flows from out of who we are - and we’re desperately wicked, having a heart that is inclined to sin, wander, and stray. Jesus was the only sacrifice that was sufficient enough to cleanse us from all unrighteousness - He kept the whole of the law - He was faultless - He had no sin - there was nothing impure about Jesus. He was the Lamb of God that was offered up for us, that had neither spot or blemish - and so Jesus, being made High Priest forever - sat down on the right of God, having paved the way to the Father for us. Jesus entered the Holy of Holies for us, and obtained eternal redemption. He made the way of salvation for us possible. What was impossible with men was now made possible by God. We could not be saved by our own works of righteousness, but by the everlasting Righteousness of Jesus our Savior. Jesus is our Forerunner - ever always interceding to God the Father on our behalf. When Jesus was crucified, having breathed His last and committing His Spirit to the Father, there was a tremendous earthquake throughout the land - the dead rose from their graves, and the veil was rent in two, from top to bottom. Unless the Lord had entered into the most Holy place for us, we would have been forbidden to come to the Father. Our sin is what separates us from God. It’s not an issue of morality, it’s about deadness. We are spiritually alienated from God, and need to be brought back to life. Jesus did not come to make bad men good, He came to make dead men live. Our souls need saving - we need redemption - we need to hear the voice of the living God speaking to us - we need to come to the cross - where Jesus made the way for us, to come to the Father boldly to find grace to help in time of need. He did not come to judge the world, but to save the world through His death. Oh, there will be a day of judgment - and it is coming. But every day that passes, every breath a man takes is another opportunity in His mercy He has given to be reconciled to God. The mercy of God is everlasting, and past finding out. The depth of His riches and wisdom are incomprehensible. Jesus mediated for us a better covenant which was established upon better promises. God made us promises in the Old Testament. Then He made more promises. Having died on the cross for our sins, we can now be reconciled. Eternal life does not start when a person died - eternal life begins the moment one receives the gift of pardon Jesus purchased for them at the cross. Jesus beckons us all to come, who are weak and heavy laden, and He will give us rest. Let us enter into that rest. Not being unbelieving, but believing - that God’s promises are true, because He has proven Himself to us by the death of His Son, and God cannot lie. Jesus promises rest for any and all who come to Him in repentance, and truly our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Jesus. When we find Jesus, our hearts will be at rest indeed. Jesus is our forerunner, opened the entrance to the gates of His heavenly kingdom, and invites all to come in and be saved. He is our Shepherd and our Savior. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.
"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 6:19,20 nkjv.)
"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself." (Hebrews 7:25-27 nkjv.)
"For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said; 'Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. . .'" (Hebrews 3:15 nkjv.)
"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 6:19,20 nkjv.)
"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself." (Hebrews 7:25-27 nkjv.)
"For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said; 'Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. . .'" (Hebrews 3:15 nkjv.)
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Study Notes on John 1...
I’m always overwhelmed by the Book of John and it’s deep, rich theology. Of all the books of the Bible, no other book outlines and attests more beautifully to Jesus and His identity as does John’s gospel. John chronicles Jesus ministry, but shows and demonstrated Jesus Christ in His humanity, and Jesus Christ as He is God. It’s not difficult to see in John’s gospel that that Jesus wasn’t just a mere man…He wasn’t just simply an exceptionally intelligent or intriguing individual…no, His personality was one that reaches far beyond the grasp of our mere human intuition or perception…the Man Jesus was not simply a man of good moral conduct, or of a noble or high regard. And though he is certainly worthy of such titles, to address Him as these alone without the acknowledgement or inquiry of anything further would be to betray Him all over again with a kiss. John writes his testimony of Jesus with the simplicity of a child, but with the eloquence of a scholar…in the words of his gospel a story is told of a Man who is far above the height of human comprehension…Jesus, the Man, God incarnate, revealed Himself to us in such a way that there is not a soul living who could deny His existence, His goodness, His personality, and His love for mankind…God came to this world, leaving the throne-room of heaven, for the benefit of sinners…but I think more than this, at least I find this to be one the most intriguing aspects of His nature, is that He entered this world humbly as an infant….completely dependant upon the breasts of His mother…What humility and condescension from heaven…It is of this Man whom John testifies that he has seen and heard from, and learned from…He came from the realm of eternity, outside the scope of time, and entered into our world for the purpose of searching out and rescuing those who had been lost…the world was what He so loved, the world and the sinners who occupied it…so much so that it was to become the altar of His death, ransomed through His blood; or rather, He ordained it to be so. What remains to be seen is that man has done absolutely nothing to merit such a gift from God…but then, being hopelessly lost in a diabolical mess of our own making, what exactly could man offer Him that would be considered acceptable in His sight? And so we had no other alternative but to rely upon the goodness and mercy of an incomprehensible and infallible God; and it is because of His goodness and mercy that he came and visited us…not that He was by any means under any obligation to do what He did -- far from it -- He would have been just as Holy and just as Just in leaving us to our own devices in my opinion, again, we’re the reprobates who rebelled. But he came unto His own in the likeness of His own. We could not go up to Him, He had to come down to us…and because we at the beginning had lost fellowship with our Creator, we became His enemies…John writes that He came unto His own and His own did not receive Him…Surely God was well aware of the atrocities of man -- from the dawn of creation in Genesis to the consummation of history Revelation -- Jesus knew from the very beginning who they were who would believe in Him. But from the beginning, God made man to be His own, and no one else’s…He desired to create us and to be a part of our lives, and for us to be a part of His. It was out of His infinite love that He created us to begin with, knowing what lay ahead for us, as well as for Himself…but for love between two parties to be genuine and true, it requires that they both choose to love one another, even at the risk of rejection from either side…Jesus “came unto His own, and His own did not receive Him…”…how much God loves man that He would come humbly as a man, destined to die for the sake of those who are wrongfully His enemies…before I go any further, I must point out that Jesus Christ had done no wrong…He was pure in every way, and He withheld no good thing from us. It we He who gave us breath, and our bodies sustenance, air for our lungs, and water to quench our pangs of thirst…He provided for us even the most basic of amenities to support and nourish our bodies, for the simple reason that He cares. He gave them to us freely, and He did not charge. In the garden when God created the animals, He gave them all to Adam, for play and for pleasure. By the goodness of the Lord, we have what we have…and now He comes, not for the nourishment of our bodies, but for the preservation of our souls…because of the diagnosis of our spiritual condition, He came to provide us with the food that would sustain our souls for eternity. It’s in this context that Jesus said in his exchange with the Jews that He is the bread which came down from heaven, that a man might eat thereof, and not die. It takes temporary food to sustain temporarily…logically, it would then take eternal food to sustain eternally…not only did we need nourishment for our bodies, but because of the rebellion in the garden, God had to provide for the benefit of our souls as well. When I say that He had to, I do not mean, nor am I implying that we were by some stretch deserving of this, but that if we were to have any hope of escaping the snares of death and God’s divine judgment, He had to come and make it possible for us since we were already cut off from Him. Moreover, He also gave man light…He came as a light to the world…light by definition, reveals that which is hidden; when light is present, darkness flees in terror. It provides light for those who cannot see because of the darkness…light brings clarity, and revelation. I’ve found that usually two things will happen when a man is faced with the light and revelation Jesus brings; he will either 1) submit to the light, and walk in it, or 2) be repelled by it’s very presence and remain in darkness. Secrecy gives the illusion of being a safe-haven for those who practice wickedness…darkness is their domain, and Jesus has no part in it. But whether or not a man believes in Him, His very existence and presence in the universe convicts a man of wrongdoing, no matter how far he may run or try to escape from it. His law is on the heart of every man that comes into the world…Jesus brought light into this dark world, that we might no longer walk in darkness, but in His light, and become one of His own. But alas, just as at the beginning, the Lord gave us a mind and will of our own to use and exercise, and for whatever reason, does not impose on it. He allows man to live and to conduct himself, to make choices and decisions of his own accord without prevention…as I stated before, love between two parties is only true if both acquiesce…He desires us to come to Him, and to love Him, without being forced. This was His plan at the very beginning.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The Interceding God
“For God so loved the world that He gave…”
These words echo throughout the distant reaches of time. These words begin perhaps the most well known verse in all of God’s holy Word. And in my estimation, could sum up the whole of the gospel of Christ. How is it that an infinite God of infinite power and might could have such an incomprehensible love for sinners? Everything Jesus did, everything Jesus said was for our good. He did all things with us in mind. As the Lord says through the Psalmist David, "...Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered..." -- (Psalm 40:5)...It is no secret that our God is big, He is mighty. He is powerful. There is nothing hidden from His sight, but all things are plain and lay naked before His eyes. We worship and serve a God who has created us for Himself; for His own good pleasure…all because He loves us. He is God and Father. I find myself ever pondering this one question…why in the world would the Lord, who is so Great in power, might, strength, and glory ever care for sinful people like us, who are so miniscule in comparison to Him? I pray that He does not count this question against me, for in asking this, I only intent an honest inquiry into His heart; and in no way attempting to diminish the height and depth of His love for humanity or His character. But of a truth, scripture paints a beautiful picture of the nature and character of God in the life of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is unlike any man that ever walked this earth. Jesus held history and time in the palm of His hand; for it was He who founded these things and their boundaries. Jesus came for us; not to destroy us…though in doing so, He would have been Just still…but He came to “…seek and save that which was lost…” and again He says elsewhere, “…to give His life a ransom for many…”. I will be the first to admit, I am no theologian. I am not a pastor, nor would I really consider myself a teacher in any way. If I have been seen by any as such, it is only by the grace of God that I am what I am. For I could have nothing unless it had been given me from above. And if you search, you will find that all things will have God as it’s source. It is He who is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. All things that we have were given to us by the mighty hand of a God who, believe it or not, cares about us more than we will ever know. So deep is His love for mankind that He gave His only begotten Son…who can understand this? Jesus came for the benefit of man. God gave to us, because we lacked. In the very beginning of creation, God had given…He gave man all they would need at the time. In Moses day, during the rebellion in the wilderness, God had given His law…and throughout the ages, God had sent them prophets to proclaim His word, and bring a rebellious people back to Himself…and if this weren’t enough, God, ushering in a new covenant with the world, offered up for us His Son…Many have given this and that, but none so much as even came close as when God sacrificed His own body on a cross for our sake. Yes and in all things and in everything, God provided. He saw that our bodies needed food in order to preserve our bodily lives, and He provided it. And when He saw that man had sinned against Him and damned His own soul, God provided food for even this…”…I am that bread of life…” -- John 6:48...How amazing is the love of Christ! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life…” -- John 3:16...
Never has man been so loved by another as God has done towards us. I believe that the love of Christ towards men isn’t something that can really be fully understood or grasped from our earthly standpoint; for a love such as this is truly Divine in it’s origin. God doesn’t love us simply because He has to or because He just simply chooses to not hate us -- but He loves us because of who He is, and not because of who we are. We are not worthy of this kind of love from the Father….Jesus came for the purpose of death on a cross, to purchase us back to God, and reconcile the world unto Himself. Jesus is the ransom of the world. No greater act of mercy or grace had ever been shown. It is He who sits on His throne and declares a man righteous. It is He who breathed the stars into existence, and gave them to us for light in the cloak of nights blackness. Jesus has done more for us than anybody could do for anyone; yet still, after over two thousand years, He is still hated by those who don’t know Him…and even to these He beckons, “…Come to Me…and be saved…” Jesus interceded on our behalf, and died on the cross for all men throughout all time…and He continues to intercede on behalf on men…saving men from eternal destruction. As the Apostle Paul says through the Holy Spirit in Romans 5:6...”For when we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly…” The ungodly was you…the ungodly was me…we were the ones who were at fault, and were found in God’s sight deserving of death. But God poured out Himself, and all that He had, to give us the very things we did not deserve. He emptied Himself, and took on the form of a bondservant, and became a Man. The Lord…who is so Great in power, might, strength, and honor…who is superior, supreme, and above all things and above every name…became as one of the least of us, suffered and died the death of a criminal. Jesus has come and given us the greatest gift that could ever be given; Himself. Such an incredible, complex mystery! Because of what Christ did on the cross, forgiveness and salvation are now possible….He has given us so much. And these things He will give to us freely, if we would only just ask Him…and He will gladly pardon any person who comes to Him…Oh how the Father loves us…
“…But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved…” -- (Romans 10:8-13)
“…For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved…” -- (John 3:16,17)
These words echo throughout the distant reaches of time. These words begin perhaps the most well known verse in all of God’s holy Word. And in my estimation, could sum up the whole of the gospel of Christ. How is it that an infinite God of infinite power and might could have such an incomprehensible love for sinners? Everything Jesus did, everything Jesus said was for our good. He did all things with us in mind. As the Lord says through the Psalmist David, "...Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered..." -- (Psalm 40:5)...It is no secret that our God is big, He is mighty. He is powerful. There is nothing hidden from His sight, but all things are plain and lay naked before His eyes. We worship and serve a God who has created us for Himself; for His own good pleasure…all because He loves us. He is God and Father. I find myself ever pondering this one question…why in the world would the Lord, who is so Great in power, might, strength, and glory ever care for sinful people like us, who are so miniscule in comparison to Him? I pray that He does not count this question against me, for in asking this, I only intent an honest inquiry into His heart; and in no way attempting to diminish the height and depth of His love for humanity or His character. But of a truth, scripture paints a beautiful picture of the nature and character of God in the life of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is unlike any man that ever walked this earth. Jesus held history and time in the palm of His hand; for it was He who founded these things and their boundaries. Jesus came for us; not to destroy us…though in doing so, He would have been Just still…but He came to “…seek and save that which was lost…” and again He says elsewhere, “…to give His life a ransom for many…”. I will be the first to admit, I am no theologian. I am not a pastor, nor would I really consider myself a teacher in any way. If I have been seen by any as such, it is only by the grace of God that I am what I am. For I could have nothing unless it had been given me from above. And if you search, you will find that all things will have God as it’s source. It is He who is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. All things that we have were given to us by the mighty hand of a God who, believe it or not, cares about us more than we will ever know. So deep is His love for mankind that He gave His only begotten Son…who can understand this? Jesus came for the benefit of man. God gave to us, because we lacked. In the very beginning of creation, God had given…He gave man all they would need at the time. In Moses day, during the rebellion in the wilderness, God had given His law…and throughout the ages, God had sent them prophets to proclaim His word, and bring a rebellious people back to Himself…and if this weren’t enough, God, ushering in a new covenant with the world, offered up for us His Son…Many have given this and that, but none so much as even came close as when God sacrificed His own body on a cross for our sake. Yes and in all things and in everything, God provided. He saw that our bodies needed food in order to preserve our bodily lives, and He provided it. And when He saw that man had sinned against Him and damned His own soul, God provided food for even this…”…I am that bread of life…” -- John 6:48...How amazing is the love of Christ! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life…” -- John 3:16...
Never has man been so loved by another as God has done towards us. I believe that the love of Christ towards men isn’t something that can really be fully understood or grasped from our earthly standpoint; for a love such as this is truly Divine in it’s origin. God doesn’t love us simply because He has to or because He just simply chooses to not hate us -- but He loves us because of who He is, and not because of who we are. We are not worthy of this kind of love from the Father….Jesus came for the purpose of death on a cross, to purchase us back to God, and reconcile the world unto Himself. Jesus is the ransom of the world. No greater act of mercy or grace had ever been shown. It is He who sits on His throne and declares a man righteous. It is He who breathed the stars into existence, and gave them to us for light in the cloak of nights blackness. Jesus has done more for us than anybody could do for anyone; yet still, after over two thousand years, He is still hated by those who don’t know Him…and even to these He beckons, “…Come to Me…and be saved…” Jesus interceded on our behalf, and died on the cross for all men throughout all time…and He continues to intercede on behalf on men…saving men from eternal destruction. As the Apostle Paul says through the Holy Spirit in Romans 5:6...”For when we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly…” The ungodly was you…the ungodly was me…we were the ones who were at fault, and were found in God’s sight deserving of death. But God poured out Himself, and all that He had, to give us the very things we did not deserve. He emptied Himself, and took on the form of a bondservant, and became a Man. The Lord…who is so Great in power, might, strength, and honor…who is superior, supreme, and above all things and above every name…became as one of the least of us, suffered and died the death of a criminal. Jesus has come and given us the greatest gift that could ever be given; Himself. Such an incredible, complex mystery! Because of what Christ did on the cross, forgiveness and salvation are now possible….He has given us so much. And these things He will give to us freely, if we would only just ask Him…and He will gladly pardon any person who comes to Him…Oh how the Father loves us…
“…But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved…” -- (Romans 10:8-13)
“…For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved…” -- (John 3:16,17)
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