June 3: THE LOVE OF CHRIST
And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10
This new song is specifically to the slain Lamb, bringing glory to Him for His essential and unique role in the progressive plan of salvation. While the holiness and worthiness of our heavenly Father is emphasized in chapter four, glory is directed to His Son in chapter five. A distinction is made which helps us to gain a better understanding of the divine nature. Although the word “trinity” does not specifically appear in the Bible, there are separate and distinct roles in the execution of the masterful plan of salvation for wayward men. Between these last two eruptions of joyful praise (to the Father in 4:11 and to the Son in 5:9-10) is the mention of the Holy Spirit sent out into all the earth (5:6). The mysterious three-in-one character and nature of our God never fails to exhibit unity: a singleness of purpose which includes cleansing of all sin, thus creating a kingdom where righteousness will dwell for eternity! (see 2 Peter 3:13)
In chapters four and five, we are witnessing the inauguration of the heavenly sanctuary as the Savior continues His ministry in the plan of redemption. He has been proven worthy to take up His royal role, as indicated by the official transfer of power from His father. And, isn’t it just like our loving Creator and Redeemer to bring us up along with Himself?! By [His] blood, He has crossed all boundaries to [make] us kings and priests to our God.
As detailed in the book of Hebrews, the exalted Christ has also become our great High Priest. Jesus is the qualified Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man (Hebrews 8:2). He is ministering on our behalf, having dispatched His Spirit as our Helper. Thus, on multiple levels, weak and sinful humans are guided, encouraged, and strengthened to truly honor the Creator and Redeemer even now. The most essential element undergirding every level of this divine assistance is the love of Christ!
The best news ever is the gospel of salvation in Christ. It is available to everyone. Beware of a powerful delusion of the enemy in these last days to divert attention and energy away from sharing the everlasting gospel worldwide. This delusion aims all focus upon the geographic area of Israel, and encourages the building of a new temple for the reinstatement of the old sacrificial system—as if Christ had never come and died once for all (Hebrews 10:10) in our place! … the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing (Hebrews 9:8). It is only the supernaturally imparted love of Christ that enables us to truly honor and keep that which is located in the Holiest of All: His commandments (John 14:15).
The last phrase above, And we shall reign on the earth is a ‘sneak preview’ of the restored earth, complete with a new capital city: the heavenly Jerusalem! The usurper’s reign of terror will be forever ended. Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5