The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
"Big… Bigger"
When the word "sin" comes to mind, what is the first thing we should think of, both chronologically and in personal, practical terms? The answer is that somebody - Somebody - died for our sins to make possible our forgiveness and restoration to God.
"The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8).
"Christ died for our sins" (I Corinthians 15:3).
"Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 5:20-21).
In the mystery of God's infinite, eternal mind, He has always known that the creation of the human race would lead to the execution of His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, to the Father, Christ is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." This involves the most solemn of considerations, and one that should often lead us to bow our hearts in awed worship. However, our Father knew and knows something else about the Lamb and His sacrifice that should thrill our hearts with utter joy. "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" (I John 1:7). God knows that His Son's atoning work for sin makes possible His forgiving the sins of all who will receive the free gift made possible by the terrible price paid by the Lord Jesus. Sin surely abounds in the present world. But grace "much more abounds" in the heart of God, and in the heart of all who trust Him and Him alone for a pardon so complete that "blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin" (Romans 4:8).
Sin is big in both its moral failure and consequences. The blood of Christ is "much" bigger in its power and pardon for all who trust the Savior. This was true when first we came to the Lord Jesus for salvation, and true thereafter when as believers, we fail to live up to our calling as God's sons and daughters. Unbelief and disobedience is never excusable or inevitable in Christians. But it is always forgivable if we will come to the aptly titled "Throne of grace" with humble, repentant, and trusting hearts (Hebrews 4:16).
We do God nor ourselves any favors by wallowing in our failures. Conversely, we do Him much glory and ourselves much benefit by quickly availing ourselves of restorative grace, mercy, and the cleansing forgiveness of the Lord Jesus. Let us join our Father in His view of "the Lamb slain." Because yes, sin is big. But the shed blood and sacrificial death of Christ is bigger by an infinite measure in the heart and mind of God. May it be so in ours.
"His dear Son, in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins."
(Colossians 1:13-14)
"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more."
(Hebrews 8:12)
Weekly Memory Verse
Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
(I Corinthians 10:31)
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