THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE God has hinged the totality of salvation upon His ONLY begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything has been invested in Him, and Him ALONE. All of God's fulness dwells in Him ALONE. The greatest commission was delivered to Him ALONE. The greatest work was done by Him ALONE, which work He finished in the fulness of time. The most profound and effective death was wrought by Him V. The greatest and most effective resurrection was executed by Him ALONE, when He took back the life that He voluntarily laid down. The surpassing victory was accomplished by Him ALONE in defeating death, triumphing over the grave, destroying the devil, and plundering principalities and powers. The most significant accomplishments were wrought by Him ALONE in making peace, reconciling the world, taking away the sins of the world, and opening up the way to heaven. He is the ONLY one living in this world who did not sin, nor was guile found in His mouth. He is the ONLY Mediator between God and man. He is the ONLY one who ever lives to make intercession for those who come to God through Him. He is the ONLY who has all power in heaven and in earth.
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (Col 3:1-4)
Devotion 25 of 25
No created personality assisted Jesus in the accomplishing of these things. None of our works our found in them. Not a single fingerprint of our fallen race is in them. Our merit is not in them. They are not flavored with our influence. Our wisdom is not in them. Our power is totally absent from them. The only thing that moved from men to Jesus in His death was their sins.
No mortal man has any part in any of the things just mentioned. Jesus did them all alone. Now, in view of these things, what would lead any person to imagine that he is not "complete" in Christ Jesus? Who is the person who envisions the world can contribute anything at all to make a person more acceptable to God, more qualified to serve Him, or more able to stand in His presence with joy? What institution can take His place, give what He gives, or bring us to God? Where can a religious system be found that can do for the soul what Jesus has been appointed to do, and is fully capable of doing? What is there that man can add to these things? Let all men withdraw their presence and resources from those who compete with Jesus, representing Him as part of the solution to the human dilemma.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the thoroughness and effectiveness of His work.
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