Thus, the reason why we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith -- the risen Lord and Christ -- recognize the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning -- the Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us -- so that you and I might rejoice in His love and mercy forever more. Indeed, as the scripture saith, the Lord protects us from those who seek to oppress the poor and needy.
It is for this reason that the Lord said, "Now I will arise!" The appointed time had come ... when God willingly became our Saviour -- after His kindness and love. (Titus 3:4-7)
"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself ..." (II Corinthians 5:19; Acts 20:28)
"... the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; [which stood only] in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation.
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us.] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament [is], there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament [is] of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:8-18)
When we begin to understand how much the Saviour's love for us, we recognize the price that was paid too, when the same God who made us in the beginning decided to redeem us from our sins. As John wrote, "He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)
Let's not fall into the trap of deception wherein the greatest love story ever told becomes misrepresented, but rather, search the scriptures for truth. Be sanctified in truth which is Thy Word -- pure words as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (John 17:17) And press into the mark which is Christ Jesus, standing fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ. (Galatians 5:1) Never let go of the One who shed His precious holy blood on a cross so that you and I might have everlasting life.
Rather, be like apostle Paul who wrote:
"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ -- of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Stand in the offering plate.
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