THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF TRUTH

" . . . If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free . . . If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:31-36)

Devotion 9 of 20

DIVINE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Jesus put away sin

Sin stood between man and God, inhibiting the fulfillment of His will. It was not simply that man needed to be made clean; he needed to be clean to have fellowship with God. Jesus was sent into the world to resolve the human dilemma by putting away sin."For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" (Heb 9:26). Spiritual cleanness is not an end of itself. It is good and imperative that our sins are forgiven, but that is the means to the appointed end, not the end itself. Coming to God is the point, and the remission of sins is necessary for this to occur.

He destroyed the devil

The divine objective appeared to have been thwarted by the wicked one. As its adversary, the devil ravished humanity, blinding it to the glories of Divine provision and intent. Jesus, however, would resolve this situation. He came to render the devil impotent, delivering a mortal bruise to him that would eventually be his total undoing. "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Heb 2:14-15). There is more to life, however, than just being rid of the devil. He was "destroyed," or rendered impotent in heavenly places, through Christ's death in order that humanity might live again! That life is realized in fellowship with God through Christ and by the Spirit.

Redeemed from the curse of the Law

The law was ruthless in its condemnation of our race. "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23), and the Law effectively condemns the conscience of all who will listen. With frightening tones, the Law "stops every mouth," rendering its subjects "guilty before God" (Rom 3:19-20). That curse, dominating humanity for 1,500 years, is lifted in Jesus. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith" (Gal 3:13-14). The curse is lifted, however, in order that the blessing might be bestowed. There is no point to being delivered from law if we are not inducted into the fellowship of God!

The power of these achievements is realized in their unity. They are all related to the objective of God, finding their sole significance in His eternal purpose.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for the extensiveness and effectiveness of Your great salvation!

-- TOMORROW: DIVINE PROVISION --