It is to dear Jesus that we owe the hope of eternal life that many upon this earth have and do hold dear, as a precious expectation. But not only that, we owe our very life to Him, for He was there at our creation, and is interested in the ‘doings’ of everyone who lives. Such an arresting, stunning thought! Does it mean that I should ‘lift my game’, as all of heaven knows and cares about me and what I do? I can only answer yes, from what I have read in scripture. I thank God, that not only does He ‘hold the world In place’ but every one of us as well. I am so glad He does not look down upon us for the purpose of scolding or ‘point scoring’, but out of love, and care for our present well-being and future happiness. Hebrews 9: 26-28 “…………..He has appeared to put away sin by sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
1Timothy 3: 16 “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.” Considering the investment that God the Father, and Jesus His Son, have made, so we do not have to die eternally, it is absolutely expected, that all will be done by God, to save as many people as possible. Romans 8: 31,32 “…..If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Naturally there has to be a judgement, for how else would every one of us be in no doubt about whether we had really been at one with God, or instead doing our own thing; while going through the motions and giving the outward appearance of being His true child. That is another arresting thought, but very sobering as well.
Dear God, please reveal my own heart to me, and never allow me to delude myself.
With Paul I give praise, that no matter our history, all who are repentant will be received by God. 1Timothy 1: 14 “And the grace or our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” I am really taking ‘on board’ more deeply that I have everything going for me in my spiritual life, because not only has all been done so that I can have salvation; it is not static, because all is still being done for my salvation. I can only say, it is wonderful, wonderful. God, 1 Timothy 2: 4, 5 “who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”
Paul wrote an appeal to a Christian of long ago, and then finished, with the thought, Philemon 25 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen” I believe grace is especially upon me this evening, and I am so very thankful, and encouraged.