Magnificent Mercy

In regard to keeping the commandments of God, by the Holy Spirit Isaiah wrote (Isaiah 64:5c-6, New English Translation), “Look, you were angry because we violated them continually. How then can we be saved? 6 We are all like one who is unclean, all our so-called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag in your sight. We all wither like a leaf; our sins carry us away like the wind.” While that was written for the Jews, outside of the redemption God offers to all, it is true for each of us, for it is written (Romans 3:10), “There is

Some feel that God will take the “better humans” and let them enjoy heaven. However, it is also written that God requires perfection (Matthew 5:48), without holiness no one shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14), and not a one of us “hits the mark” on either of those points (Romans 3:23). Something had to be done to correct this horrible situation so that a person could have loving fellowship with God now and for all eternity. The Holy Scriptures show that “something” was the merciful act of God veiling Himself with human flesh as the Son in order to live the righteous life we need to live then take upon Himself our sins in order to receive the punishment we should get from the Father.

Do not think, though, that Christ lived a righteous life because He was God veiled in human flesh. Philippians 2:5-11 shows us that though He was God in flesh He willingly chose not to use His prerogatives as God. Instead, He knew the written Word, kept in communion with the Father, and was led by the Holy Spirit. All of this is placed right into anyone when they surrender to God through Christ, making Him King in their life. We are not saved by our works, but by God’s grace which will produce the works of Christ through us. 

There are many passages of Holy Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments that speak of this great act of mercy by God to save us through the life and death of His Son so that we may become His sons and daughters. Speaking of Jesus Christ, Titus 2:14 says, “who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” From this tender passage we will see the following.

I. Jesus Christ Gave 14a

“who gave Himself for us . . .”

When it comes to Jesus dying upon the cross, He was not murdered. It was not an act of spiritual child abuse (Father sent the Son to die for the world) as some sick-minded, spiritually depraved people claim. He was not surprised. Christ willingly laid down His life as John 10:15 and other Holy Scriptures show: “. . . I lay down My life for the sheep.”

II. Jesus Christ Redeems 14b

“. . . to redeem us from every lawless deed, . . .”

In a number of places throughout Holy Scripture we learn in various ways that “the soul who sins shall die" (Ezekiel 16:4e). The numerous passages with their context show that, as a whole, both physical and spiritual death are meant. The good news is seen in passages like Revelation 5:9, “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed (purchased) us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, . . ."

Peter writes, by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 3:18), “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.” From this we see Jesus took your place, my place. We should have been left to die in our sins. We should be the ones to face the wrath of the Father.

But Jesus paid the price required by God to redeem us, permitting God to justly forgive us. Forgiveness from God for sin is not a whim of His. The price actually had to be paid. Once we surrender our life to Him and receive the life of Christ we are liberated from sin. And, being liberated from sin we are made free to serve God through Christ. We have been liberated from serving self, the world, and satan {1}, who, though they might seem kind to us, continuance

In regard to being liberated from sin it needs to be said that there is no sin that God cannot deliver a person from, if they let Him. It does not matter if one has a chemical or mental addiction, and it does not matter how powerful that addiction is. God is able, through the work of Christ, to set anyone free of anything.

III. Jesus Christ Purifies 14c-d

“. . . and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”

A foundational way that Christ purifies those who truly trust in Him is by having those He loves to be spiritually crucified with Him as stated in Galatians 2:20. And the other half of that verse states “the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” So, it is not just being crucified with Him that purifies a person, but it is also the victorious life of Christ living through that person.

As you might see, such a union with God through Christ changes a person. They become His son or daughter and learn to take on His moral characteristics. They belong to God and God through Christ will cause them to spiritually grow, giving Him glory and wonderfully blessing the one who lovingly yields to Him. Such a person will want to be all that God wants them to be, so they will be zealous for good deeds. Of course, we are not saved by works, but if Christ really dwells within us His life will produce His works.

The purification continues as one remains in Christ. In John 15:1-2 we read, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” Certainly He prunes away sin and those things in our character that will not serve His glorious purposes. He may prune away hobbies, certain activities, and more {2} so that we might fully serve Him and be fully blessed.

This is all part of the magnificent mercy of God. He takes sinners, cleans them, and shapes them into His workmanship in Christ (Ephesians 2:10). He can take anyone and transform them into someone that glorifies God, is a blessing to others, and a partaker with other true brothers and sisters in Eternal Life. This mercy is available to those who truly seek Him and totally commit to Him.

Notes:

{1} Not capitalized on purpose. Experts Column gives me the freedom to express myself in that way.

{2} Please read The Triumph Of Godly Habits at http://holybibletreasures.expertscolumn.com/article/triumph-godly-habits-1

Please listen to the audio message at the link below after it has been uploaded. There will be much more in-depth treasure and blessing in the audio recording.

This article was written in the form of a sermon (message) outline with comments. God willing by May 20, 2017 (hopefully much sooner), you should be able to hear the actual message (sermon) by selecting a link at http://www.sapphirestreams.com/life/audioM.html#M447 .

Unless otherwise noted all Holy Scripture is from the New American Standard Bible changing LORD to YHVH as it rightly should be when the text so indicates. * = For other versions the spelling of some words is updated for our time in addition to changing LORD to YHVH as it rightly should be when the text so indicates.

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