DEVOTIONAL
Those who have been chosen of God,
holy and beloved, Colossians 3:12 NASBS
Beloved Christian, let’s take a moment to reflect on the great love that God had for us when He sent His only-begotten Son, Jesus, to the cross to pay for our sins. It is a love that is so deep and incomprehensible, a love that can truly only be described in the eternal words of holy scripture.
The scriptures tell us that He chose us from the foundations of the world. That is, the infinite God, Who holds all things together by the breath of His word, entered into humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. In doing so, He took to Himself flesh forever. This was the only way to redeem us from the curse of the law which has condemned everyone, bringing them under judgment. For all have sinned and violated God’s law, both internally and externally.
The righteous demands of God’s perfect law are too much for any human being to fulfill. So God the Father, sent His own Son, Jesus, into the world in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh. You see, He fulfilled the righteous demands of God’s law by never sinning so that the requirements of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who come to Him in faith and repentance.
The word of God tells us concerning Jesus Christ, “He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” He has done this by laying His life down and taking the just penalty of the law, which was his life, so that we, who are Christians, might have life, everlasting through Him.
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Therefore Christian, “since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Come now Saints of God, pick up your Cross daily and follow after Him, let not vile corruptions lead you astray, but rather conquer them through the discipline of obedience.
Understand this, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” Gird yourself with holy violence and do not let sin breach the walls of the truth, that you so dearly cling to.
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”