One of the foremost benefits of resting in our position of acceptance is the deep and undying assurance that God is for us. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jer. 29:11). “…Having made peace through the blood of his cross…” (Col. 1:20). “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus… If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:1, 31).
I WENT rather long with the previous introduction. I want to keep it short this time.
THE above is the last paragraph in the previous posting, to be continued and completed here. We finish this chapter on Reconciliation and Acceptance with the sure and comforting knowledge that our Lord’s thoughts are toward us (Jer. 29:11); we enjoy an enduring and grace filled peace (Col. 1:20); knowing no condemnation (Rom. 8:1) in the awesome fact that God is for us! (Rom. 8:31)
OUR author now closes with: As the Holy Spirit applies the finished work of the cross to the sinful source within, this inner crucifixion may lead us to think God is against us. But it is just the opposite…… …What a safe and impregnable position is ours in Christ!
WITH that, let’s complete this chapter reading.
In the wondrous blessings of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa. 30:15 & Job 2:10
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Chapter 21—Reconciliation and Acceptance – Continued
As the Holy Spirit applies the finished work of the cross to the sinful source within, this inner crucifixion may lead us to think God is against us. But it is just the opposite; everything He takes us through is for our spiritual growth. “…All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Rom. 8:28, 29). Therefore, “in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5:18). “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32). “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God” (2 Cor. 4:15).
What a safe and impregnable position is ours in Christ! “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Ps. 18:2). When the “accuser of the brethren” points his maligning finger at the self-life within, at our condition in ourselves, seeking to get us to question our acceptance, we are able to rest in our position and point to Christ. We are well aware of self’s unacceptability, but we are much more aware of our acceptance in the Beloved. The enemy can never touch Him, and our “life is hid with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). Satan may be the counsel for the prosecution, but we have two Counsels for defense—an Advocate at the throne, and an Advocate within—to say nothing of the fact that the righteous Judge is our Father!
“Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17). Our Father has reconciled us to Himself in a way that enables Him to be consistent with Himself, being both “just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26).
