1 Timothy 3:16 NLT
“Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith [of godliness]: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.”
I LOVE this scripture, as it magnificently summarises the entire Gospel of Jesus Christ! It unveils and outlines the mystery of our faith, and helps us to see the grandeur of the entire redemptive story of Jesus Christ!
Hebrews 2:3 NLT
“So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak?”
As much as I love this scripture, however, I sometimes cannot help wondering, whether I fully understand it. I believe that this is also the dilemma of many, many believers. We have not fully grasped and comprehended the enormity and greatness of the salvation that was accomplished for us, when God became man, and died to ransom, redeem and reconcile us to Himself.
THIS WEEK, as we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, let us return to the narrative of our great salvation and remind ourselves of what Jesus Christ actually did for us. This is especially important, because the time has come for us to be true witnesses of Jesus, and share the Gospel accurately and in power. (Acts 1:8)
FOR ALL HAVE SINNED…!
Romans 3:23 NLT
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”
Let us begin our narrative with the fact of SIN. No matter what you believe, the bible is very clear about our relationship with God. ALL humanity was born under the power and control of sin and have sin in our hearts. For that reason, our relationship with God was broken and severed, and we were disconnected and distanced from Him.
The bible is very clear that every human being was born a sinner; no one is exempt. We were all born with the seed and nature of sin inherent in us. This is endorsed by the popular saying, “No one teaches a child to sin or err.”
Psalm 51:5 TPT
“Lord, I have been a sinner from birth, from the moment my mother conceived me.”
However, one might ask…. What if I am good and kind, and do good things? What if I don’t swear, talk about people and I am not nasty or horrible? What if I don’t do drugs, smoke or drink? What if I don’t fornicate or commit adultery? What if I don’t tell lies, steal or cheat? Am I still a sinner…?
Yes, you are, and we all are! The bible describes all human beings as sinners, and says we have fallen short of God’s standard. Even our best, kindest and most generous works are not counted as righteous by God and have no value before Him.
Isaiah 64:6 NLT
“We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.”
FOR REFLECTION
Ponder over these words. Do you understand what they mean? Can you see the gravity of the human condition without Christ? Begin to thank God for Jesus Christ and the great salvation He accomplished for us!
For Further Reading: Acts 16:30-31
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
”And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)