John {1:15} '...For the law was given by Moses, grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.'
Salvation complete.
Moses introduced the law that God gave to His people.
The law reveals sin.
Sin once revealed needs sacrifice for forgiveness.
The ceremonial law was enacted.
The ceremonial law pointing to the Lamb of God who would need to be slain to bring salvation to sinners.
Moses brought the revelation of sin and the consequence of sinning along with an imperfect forgiveness and cleansing of sin and Jesus brought grace and truth.
Grace gives all us sinners forgiveness that is undeserved, truth revals that grace is found only in Jesus.
Salvation complete.
So many want to believe that Jesus abolished Moses' law. They want to believe that with the law gone they're no longer accountable for the sins they commit. Still others believe that with the law of Moses gone they are held to a higher standard of love and not released from the burden of Moses' law at all. In truth, the law reveals sin and sin doesn't change. How can sin suddenly not be sin? Could murder ever be considered not sin? I'm not talking killing, I'm talking murder. Could stealing ever be considered not sin? You want to believe there are circumstances that make it sinless. Can coveting? Can dishonoring your parents? Again people want to make various excuses for things to be not sin when you clip on the excuses for it and I am NOT saying that there aren't abusive parents that don't deserve honor and such, but the law is the law. And to say that suddenly the laws don't matter is saying what? They were wrong? They were for that time and not relevant for today? Modern people don't need those laws they need modern laws. Some people even say Jesus did just that, He upgraded the whole system and showed that things were just wrong before. Love matters more than law. You've heard the saying/song all we need is love and it's true. If there were true love from all- the law would be automatically kept. Did you read that? Love automatically keeps the law. Seriously. What law wouldn't be kept if love were the law?
Stealing?
Murder?
False Witness?
Worshipping statues?
Taking God's name in vain?
Which one? Out of love you couldn't get rid of a single one, whether it's out of love for God or your fellow man.
The truth is, Jesus didn't come to do away with any law, but to show how out of love they are all kept. Out of love Jesus committed no sin.
Love embodies the law and vice versa, the two are together forever and trying to separate them is trying to destroy what God has created, what Jesus created.
Through grace and truth brought by Jesus may we be filled with love, accepting the forgiveness He brings, that He died to give us.
Amen.
Php 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Php 1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Php 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
May God who has performed a good work in us do so until the day of Jesus Christ.
Is there anyone you thank God for upon remembering them? Do you pray for others with joy?
All too often we get caught up in praying with despair in our hearts, pain wracking us deeply as we feel for the trials and tribulations those we are praying for are going through. Our hearts get heavy with grief for others but we need to allow joy in our hearts as well. Make requests with joy. Jesus has conquered the worst there is in life and He's done if for us. We will suffer but it is only temporary. We should rejoice in the gospel, in the message of salvation through our Lord and Savior. Joy should fill us as we believe in His return.
The other day I was waiting in a doctor's waiting room and I couldn't help but think about Jesus and wonder how many of them knew of His plan of salvation. Not being the type to strike up conversations with anyone at all, I couldn't very well even consider finding out. It brought to mind the striking contrast of the disciples of Christ preaching His word, spreading the gospel far and wide. There are a few religions that go about to spread the word but it's a VERY rare occurance to find someone preaching the gospel outside of a church setting or function. People usually seek to find someone to share the word and it's not readily given otherwise in my personal experience.
With the joy of Christ in our lives we need to reflect Him and if we don't... why don't we.
May God help us to live in His joy, in His love, and help us to share the love of the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
Amen.
5/5/11