The atonement is more than a legal action on our behalf. Justification is more than a declaration by God of His forgiveness of our sins. The atonement of Christ is the eighth day of creation. In Him God started creating again. In the resurrection Jesus, Son of God, Son of man, the second Adam, began making all things new. And it all centers on humanity. In the incarnation God became human. In the resurrection humanity is invited into a new order of creation, the incarnation itself. Having conquered death, Hell, and the grave, Jesus welcomes believers into His body. In Him we are joined to God and destined to fill His very image and stature.
Thus, Christ, who is the propitiation for our sins, reconciles us to the Father, imputes righteousness, imparts holiness, making us righteous and plants in our hearts the hope of glory. That glory hidden in our earthen vessels will be revealed on the day of our final redemption, the day of our transfiguration when His glory in us breaks forth to shine from everlasting to everlasting. In Him I share in this whole new order of creation. It does not yet appear what I shall be, but what I shall be I am in Him. I know this by the Holy Spirit who dwells in me the first fruit, down payment and guarantee of my destiny. Oh what love the Father, Son, and Spirit have for us. I am thankful.
Cleveland, Tennessee
August 29, 2010
JDJ
1 comment:
Yes!
Shirley
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