December 3: FROM THE PIT OF RUIN

“…before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony, where I will meet with you.” Exodus 30:6b

The golden cherubim at either end of the mercy seat were made, according to divine instructions, to gaze reverently upon it (25:20). It is nearly unfathomable, whether looking upwards from the earth, the human point of view—or downwards from heaven, the angelic point of view—to comprehend the mystery of mercy. Peter explains to us that even the mighty, unfallen angels are captivated as they contemplate the work of redemption:

To [the prophets that came before us] it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. 1 Peter 1:12

The mercy of Almighty God is a mystery: that He can be both just and the Justifier (Romans 3:26) of every repenting sinner…. all in order to renew a relationship with our fallen human race. He condescended in utter humility, coming to us as a fragile, helpless baby. Surrounded by worldly elements of corruption, He was taught the Word of God as He grew up (Luke 2:52).

There is a union of justice and mercy in the Plan of human redemption. Christ—the anointed Lamb of God—stooped to lift multitudes from the pit of ruin where Satan led all people to break the Law of God. Yet Jesus bore the weight of sin and declares them as His own, covering them with His own spotless robe of righteousness.

This fallen world is a place of sore testing, and it is to every point of God’s Royal Law (James 2:8) that we are to agree; for it was the breaking of it that ushered in every form of ruin and degradation. Walking in faith with Jesus brings about a transformation of the sinful human heart into harmony with His principles. This is entirely the work of God. His law is established in our hearts. For us to join together with the angels who never fell, and to live in the very presence of God requires nothing short of agreeing to be law-abiding citizens for eternity.

Can two walk together unless they are agreed? Amos 3:3

Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law. Romans 3:31