One of the many glorious things about our salvation is that we have a great Savior and a wonderful Lord, who saves, keeps, and satisfies. And who “is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
Because “sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned” (Romans 5:12); it was therefore necessary for a remedy; so that man could be reconciled to God and be at peace with Him.
God in His grace and mercy, provided His Son, Jesus Christ, whose death on the Cross paid the penalty for our sins. The Bible says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).
Without exception, every human being is guilty before God since we were born that way. King David said “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5).
We see the results of sin in the world everyday. Man does not become a sinner because he sins. Man sins because he is a sinner. Here’s the proof. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:8-10).
It follows then that every human has the sin nature he/she is born with. The word “sin” (verse 8) in the singular, refers to the Adamic nature one is born with. Sins (verse 9) in the plural, refers to committing sins.
There is a most interesting distinction between Adam and Jesus Christ in the following Bible text. “Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:18,19).
Because of Adam’s disobedience the many were made sinners. And by Christ’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
Matthew 26:39, Christ prayed “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” This prayer shows the obedience of Christ so that the many will be made righteous.
William MacDonald’s commentary says, “Lest we think this prayer expressed reluctance or a desire to turn back, we should remember His words in John 12:27, 28: “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” Therefore, in praying that the cup might pass from Him, He was not asking to be delivered from going to the cross. That was the very purpose of His coming into the world! (Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 1303. Thomas Nelson Publishers).
Christ, and He alone, paid the penalty for the sins of mankind.
To pay the price of sin;
He only could unlock the gate
Of heaven and let us in.”
—Cecil Frances Alexander 1818-1895.
We have a great Savior who declares “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:27-30).
Herein lies the eternal security of any who trust Christ as their Savior. He says “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.” The Christian has eternal life the moment he trusts Christ as his Savior. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but has eternal life.” Note, the text says “has eternal life” (present tense). It’s not “will have eternal life.” So, eternal life is the present possession of all who are saved.
We also have a wonderful Lord. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. The Scripture says “He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:15,16).
Our wonderful Lord is now seated at the right hand of His Father in heaven. A position of power and authority; and He ever lives to make intercessions for us.
Sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords.
Worthy to receive glory and honor and power;
With deepest joy we praise and worship you.
To you be all the glory now and forever. Amen.
—Geoff Daniels 05/2022