Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Part 6 of Chapter 6 from Magnify The Lord (Pages 149-151)

Magnify the Lord
Chapter 6 (Part 6)
He's Come to Deliver
B. He's Come to Deliver Us from Sin
UNTAINTED WORSHIP
What a day it will be when we see Jesus for the first time with eyes that are not tainted by the presence of sin. Can you imagine worshipping the Lord without the presence of sin? This world is defiled and full of death. It is important for us to know we have been delivered from the penalty and power of sin. It is equally important to know we have not been delivered from the presence of sin in this world or the problem of sin's effects. The snow ball effect of sin continues to roll down the mountain of this judged world like an avalanche headed for a valley. Sin has rolled down through the corridors of time and is gaining momentum as it increases in mammoth proportions in these last days. We have all been broadsided at times by this gigantic snowball and will be again and again as long as we're living in this world. We will not be delivered from sin's presence until the new heaven and earth appear and Satan, death, and the grave are made subject to Jesus and cast into the lake of fire and brimstone for eternity. Until then we are called on to endure in the present victory we have over sin's penalty and power.
WE SEE IT
All authentic believers long for that day when mortality will be swallowed up by immortality. The new natures that believers possess are bent on the things of eternal righteousness. There is a craving in the heart of every new creature in Christ to long to be clothed in more of heaven. This is a great indicator of the Spirit of God living within us as new creatures in Christ. It is a birthmark that can be found upon the desire of those who have been persuaded by the grace of God to follow Jesus.
For we (all believers) know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in (knowing) this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now He that hath wrought (fully and permanently worked this in us and accomplished this longing effect in the heart of) us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:1-6
What a change has be wrought in our heart by God. Remember, as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. (Pr. 23:7) The dynamics of the new birth are far reaching within the heart of a believer, and it affects his hands and his feet to reflect the work of God in his heart. One day we will be delivered from sin's presence. Oh, what a day that will be!
WE HATE IT
The problems of sin are also manifested to us daily. Death, disease, destruction, and devastation are a few problems we face daily. All of these are the direct consequences of sin. How many people do we know who have cancer or diabetes? How many people do we know who have experienced a divorce? How many people do we know who have encountered the reality of death in the last month? How many people do we know who knows someone who has been affected by them? Everyone on the planet has felt the impact of this devastating blow in some way or fashion. We will have to face each problem daily for as long as we live. They are the results of the problem with sin. Sin kills! It always has.
PAID IN FULL
One of the greatest blessings for believers is to know we have been delivered from the penalty of sin. We have previously discussed in detail the problem with our nature and God's law condemning us because of our sins. The penalty for sin is death: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). If anyone is going to have life in Christ, they must first die. This death is accomplished supernaturally by God Himself when we are born again. In Christ we die. We were put to death in Christ, and not only did we die to the law, but we also died to sin. Christ paid the penalty for our sins. This was a debt we could not pay. (Ps. 49:5-15) Our sins were placed upon Christ while He was on the cross, and upon the cross God legally judged our sin. Our sins were paid for by the sacrificial Lamb of God. Christ paid our wages and suffered the death of the cross to free us from a debt that was only payable through death. Jesus was the only One who could satisfy the heart of God's wrath by atoning for our sin. He also supplied the favor needed to reconcile us unto His Father.

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