We were all enemies of God at one time, but He reconciled us to
Himself through the death of His righteous Son, Jesus. Those who repent of their sins and call on His name we are saved by His
life (Romans 5:10). We pass from death to eternal life through all the
fullness of Jesus Christ, our Lord (John 14:19). Death
no longer reigns in the spirit, body and soul – mind, choices and emotions - of
those who believe in Christ as their Savior (Romans 5:17). Our
sins are paid for, and we are absolved of their penalty.
Through Jesus, the Kingdom of God is now within each
Believer (Luke 17:20-21). Jesus purchased our salvation
from corruption, by His death and resurrection. Now, He is the first-born of
many brethren (Romans 8:29), the head of the body (1
Corinthians 12:12) and the light of the world, which is lost in
darkness (John 8:12). Christ in us also makes us the light of the world (Matthew
5:14-16). We are bound to the fathomless Christ forever. We live in
a personal union and intimate communion with Him.
God gave us His spirit as His sons. The Stone, which the
builders rejected, is now our chief cornerstone (Psalm 118:22; 1 Peter
2:4-8). He made us living stones in a temple made without hands,
as well as His royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:4-5; 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17; 2
Corinthians 5:1, 6:16). In ages past, God tried to reach man through
dispensations of innocence, human government, promise, law and grace. We are
now in this age of grace, which is also called the “day of the gentiles” and
“the church age”.
There is only one era left before eternity; the millennial
reign of Christ and His Bride on the earth. We will rule with Him for 1,000
years and live in His mansion with Him in glory (Revelation 20:4 - 21:1; John
14:2-3). Even now, God dwells in us and walks with us and
considers us His People and the Sheep of His pasture (2
Corinthians 6:16). God teaches us the mysteries of His Kingdom (Matthew
13:11). He bids us to enter His rest and to cease from our own
labor as we do His will each day of our life (Hebrews 4:10).
The triune God moves in and exchanges our carnal nature
with the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:12). He
changes our heart of stone to one of flesh, which is pliable in the hands of
His Spirit (Ezekiel 11:19). He raises us up to sit in
heavenly places with Christ, and through Christ He shows us the richness of His
grace and His kindness toward us (Ephesians 2:6-7). At the
culmination of time, He will give us gladness, and joy and all sorrow and
sighing will pass away forever (Isaiah 35:4; Revelation 21:4).
Prayer:
Father God, at Your command, the universe was set into
motion, the earth was formed, and life was raised up by the power of Your Word.
You brought Christ forth as a righteous branch from the lineage of King David (Psalm
148). One day soon, You will send our Savior and King to the earth to reign
in prosperity for all. Through His justice, He will execute judgment in the
earth. You will save Israel, just as You promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and
they will dwell in safety in the land of Your promise. Jesus will reign as Lord
of Righteousness forever (Jeremiah 23:5-6). All of Your Saints will serve
You and praise You for eternity.
Thought for the Day:
The Kingdom of God is within us. – Luke 17:20-21