GOD IS LOVE Devotion 7 of 34 Now, the purpose for Christ's entrance into the world is more specifically defined. From a more general point of view, the Son came into the world in order that people might have eternal life and not be condemned. But John takes the matter even deeper, confirming this is no shallow love that we are being given to see. The purpose is brief but pungent: "that we might LIVE through Him." When He was dwelling among us, Jesus said He came that we might "have life," and "have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). – Tomorrow:
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love . . . God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:8,16)
"God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9)
Having, or possessing, eternal life, is a condition that impacts upon the manner in which we actually conduct our lives – the way we think, how we express ourselves in words and deeds, and the focus or purpose of our lives. There are views of eternal life that are merely theoretical, and have little to do with living consciously and deliberately unto the Lord. The Spirit therefore elaborates on this subject in order to deliver us from such false notions.
REQUIRES DEATH TO THE WORLD
Life in Christ presumes death to the world and its ways. As it is written, "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God" (Col 3:3). When we were baptized into Christ, we were raised by the Father to "walk in newness of life," having been buried INTO death (Rom 6:4). Jesus was sent into the world in order that this life could be realized by us. It is a life that cannot join in alliance with this world, and involves a loss of affection for the things of this world. Eternal life and allegiance with the world are an admixture – they cannot be joined together.
REQUIRES DEATH TO THE LAW
Those participating in this life have become dead to the Law, having passed beyond its condemnation. As it is written, "For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God" (Gal 2:19). It is not possible to be alive and sensitive to God while remaining under the bludgeon of the Law. God did not send Jesus into the world so that we could be better governed, but so we could "live unto," or for, Him. Jesus has delivered us from the Law as a means to righteousness, and therefore it cannot condemn those who are in Him. In that sense, we have been "delivered from the Law" (Rom 7:6). Although we love the Law, and it is written upon our hearts, we do not trust it for justification.
A DOMINATING LIFE
This is a dominating life, as confirmed in the words, "For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall REIGN IN LIFE by one, Jesus Christ" (Rom 5:17). Spiritual life cannot be lived by fits and starts, or in cycles and seasons. If it does not reign, it will wane. If it does not dominate, it will dissipate. Jesus came into the world in order that we might experience this type of life. When the love of God is placed into the background of life, the love of the world comes to the forefront. When that condition ensues, the individual becomes a friend of the world and the enemy of God (James 4:4). Jesus was sent into the world to free us from such things.
This is nothing less than "eternal life." While it is presently only in the firstfruits sense, yet it is very real and very effectual. The person imbibing Christ HAS eternal life (John 6:54). This is God's gift to us "through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom 6:23). It is what we are exhorted to lay hold of, being aware of its presence and power (1 Tim 6:12).
Any approach to religion that does not contribute to the development of spiritual life, is a delusion from the devil. It has nothing whatsoever to do with Divine intent or the Lord Jesus Christ, but is spurious and to be rejected as a poison to the soul. If God sent His Son into the world that we might "live through Him," woe be to the person or procedure that stifles that life! If the soul becomes dull toward God, death is imminent. If a person's religion causes such a condition, a most serious situation is present, and must be addressed immediately.
An absence of life in a professed Christian indicates that, to some degree, Jesus has been refused. If God sent His only begotten on into the world that we might live through Him, the absence of such life can only mean the Son has NOT been embraced. If this were not the case, God would be proved a liar, and His purpose frustrated. Who is the person who would dare to affirm such a thing to be possible?
Let every soul embrace the Son, without reservation and with all zeal. When this takes place, the love of God will be confirmed to us. Then we will see more clearly that God's abundant love has not only brought us forgiveness of sin, but abundant access to himself.
In a very real sense, we are presently being saved, or kept alive, by Jesus Christ. Is it not written, "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we SHALL BE SAVED BY HIS LIFE" (Rom 5:10). Not only, therefore, were we raised from death in trespasses and sins by Him, we are presently living by Him, that is, by His interceding and mediating "life." Thus the Spirit testifies, "Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb 7:25). The continual work of Christ in the behalf of the saints sets the tone for all Kingdom work.
Settle it in your heart, if Jesus continually makes intercession for us, it is because it is required. Only eternity will fully tell how low sin brought us, and how high grace is bringing us! Praise the Lord! In the meantime, you have a life that is to be lived in the power of Christ. See that you do it.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I commit myself to remove anything in my life that inhibits the expression of the life You have given me through Jesus.