December 12: SO GREAT A SALVATION
But while Joseph thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21
WHEW! Yesterday we saw that Joseph was thinking about a quiet divorce, but upon hearing the full truth of the matter, he aligned himself with the Lord’s will. Joseph’s obedience was further made evident when the Baby was born; he named Him Jesus (vv.21 and 25), meaning He will save His people from their sins.
The plan of salvation is a wonderful display of God’s government. The Giver of life desires to free me from that which brings eternal death, namely sin. The operation is complicated, but the Great Physician assumes the role of Surgeon. He puts His finger directly where change is needed. I must give permission for Him to operate: His power is imparted to resist that old temptation. By faith, I exercise that power. I am building spiritual muscle. This is what it means to overcome, to gain a victory! There is no anesthesia during this surgery. I must be fully conscious, fully awake.
What good would it do to receive forgiveness for sins only to continue in them? His death provides forgiveness for my sinful past. The moment I receive His death in my place, there is an instantaneous effect: my slate is wiped clean and I am accepted into the brotherhood of believers (see Acts 2:41, 1 Thessalonians 2:13). The road ahead is marked with potholes, stumbling blocks, and landmines, but the Great High Priest intercedes on our behalf. His effectual work on our behalf to escape the corruption in the world is mighty and complete. Therefore, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (Hebrews 2:3).
The great Giver wants to take our old life of sin away, but we must allow it! He asks us to bring our sins to Him and lay them at the foot of the cross. And what does He give us in return? His Spirit for power to forge ahead confidently as we, by faith, don His robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). He desires to cleanse our sin-stained lives and write upon hearts His Law of Love (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10). The goal is urgent: transformation into the citizenship of heaven. This is what is meant by the increase of His government and peace. Justification is instantaneous, but sanctification is the progressive work of a lifetime.
He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6b
For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. Romans 2:13 (NIV)
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given… Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6a,7a