"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us], having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments, [contained] in ordinances: for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh." (Ephesians 2:12-16)
Yes, indeed, through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Who is the One Spirit that allows us to have access to the Father? He is the Holy Ghost, wherein Jesus through the Spirit came into this world to bring us salvation, and now after Jesus was taken up, He through the Holy Ghost can now give commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3)
This is why we are no more strangers and foreigners but instead fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God -- Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner, in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord -- in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Through the One and Same Spirit -- the Holy Ghost who overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a Son, now inhabits the hearts of those who love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. When we do, we become an integral part of the body of Christ church wherein Jesus -- as both Lord and Christ is the Head of the Church. (Acts 2:36)
In the Old Testament, the same Lord that inhabits eternity, whose name declared then was Holy hath said, "I create the fruit of the lips: peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near," saith the Lord, "and I will heal him." (Isaiah 57:19)
His message from the prophets of afore has not changed. The Lord is still the same yesterday, today, and forever. The only difference is that instead of the name Holy we know the Lord under a different name -- the name of JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
This gate of the Lord into which the righteous shall enter is who we will (future tense) praise, "for Thou art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the Head [stone] of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it ... blessed be He that comes in the Name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord. God is the Lord, which hath showed us light ... Thou art my God and I will praise Thee. Thou art my God, I will exalt Thee. O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 118:20-29)
When we understand how much we are loved by the Lord God that He would willingly of Himself become our Saviour, our understanding of the world changes, because of a new desire in our heart and mind to serve Him. (Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:35) But there is more, and this is what is often missed in knowing the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour. That is, that this same Lord Jesus who is God manifest in the flesh, willingly declared peace and good will to one and all, so that we could be redeemed. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 42:13; John 1:10-11) Not saved because of what we can or would do, but solely because of His abundant love for His chosen people.
As the psalmist clearly stated, "The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation!" (Psalm 118:14; Isaiah 12:2)
Thus, now -- "you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins, wherein in time past ye walked according ago the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of the flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others ... but God who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace are ye saved!) and hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:1-9)
For sure, we are living in the ages that was to come wherein His great love wherewith He loved us became evident on that old wooden cross, where He shed His precious holy blood for you and I. Meditate on these things this day.
Stand in the offering plate.
No comments:
Post a Comment