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May 14, 2010

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER TODAY
by Cornelius R. Stam


Grace and faith are the characteristic features of the present dispensation. Not only is salvation now declared to be by grace, through faith, but the Spirit also operates in the believer by grace, through faith. He does not take possession of us and cause us to do what is right, but dwells within each believer (1 Corinthians 6:19) to provide needed guidance and the strength to withstand temptation, and we may avail ourselves of this provision by faith.

The Spirit, Who first imparted life to us will also impart strength to withstand temptation and overcome sin. In our inability to even pray as we ought, "the Spirit... helpeth our infirmities" and "maketh intercession for us" (Romans 8:26). In our weakness we are "strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man" (Ephesians 3:16) and God even stoops to "quicken [our] mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in us" (Romans 8:11).

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh" (Ver. 12).

The implication from the above passage is that though sorely tempted we are debtors to the Spirit who dwells within and provides overcoming power.

The question, in times of temptation, is generally whether we truly desire to overcome, for we may overcome in any given case by grace, through faith. In the present dispensation it is not true that it is not possible for the believer to sin, but it is blessedly true that in any situation it is possible for him not to sin, for the Spirit is always there to help.

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May 15, 2010

GRACE ABOUNDING
by Cornelius R. Stam


In a letter to his spiritual son, Timothy, Paul wrote, some 1900 years ago, about his conversion:

"I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious, but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. AND THE GRACE OF OUR LORD WAS EXCEEDING ABUNDANT..." (1 Timothy 1:13,14).

And he follows this with the now-famous declaration:

"THIS IS A FAITHFUL SAYING, AND WORTHY OF ALL ACCEPTATION, THAT CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS, OF WHOM I AM CHIEF" (Ver 15).

Upon reading this statement by Paul, those who know their Bibles will immediately recall the words of Romans 5:20,21:

"...the law entered, that the offence might abound, BUT WHERE SIN ABOUNDED, GRACE DID MUCH MORE ABOUND; THAT AS SIN HATH REIGNED... SO MIGHT GRACE REIGN..."

These two passages from the pen of Paul have a closer connection than may appear on the surface. The Apostle Paul, once Saul of Tarsus, had led his nation and the world in rebellion against Christ. "As for Saul," we read in Acts 8:3, "he made havoc of the church," and he himself testified to the Galatians: "Ye have heard... how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and laid it waste" (Galatians 1:13).

Yet God, in infinite mercy, had saved Saul, not only for Saul's own sake, but to make him the living demonstration of His grace. Thus in writing to Timothy, the Apostle goes on to explain:

"Howbeit, FOR THIS CAUSE I OBTAINED MERCY, THAT IN ME FIRST JESUS CHRIST MIGHT SHOW FORTH ALL LONGSUFFERING, FOR A PATTERN TO THEM WHICH SHOULD HEREAFTER BELIEVE ON HIM TO LIFE EVERLASTING" (1 Timothy 1:16).

Let us, then, take our places with Saul, the sinner, and find salvation by grace through Christ, the Savior. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

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May 16, 2010

THE NOBLE BEREANS AND THE BIBLE
by Cornelius R. Stam


Many Christian groups and organizations call themselves Bereans, but it is surprising how few people know what a true Berean is.

The 17th chapter of Acts relates how Paul called upon his kinsmen at Thessalonica and for three Sabbath days "reasoned with them out of the Scriptures", trying to show them that Jesus was the Christ.

Steeped in their own religion, however, the majority were unwilling even to consider the truths Paul proclaimed. Indeed, they resented the fact that some did believe and, in their bigotry, "set all the city on an uproar". Finally Paul's life was in such peril that the Christians there sent him away by night to Berea, a town about forty miles away.

At Berea Paul again sought out his "kinsmen according to the flesh" -- and what a different reception! Here is what the record says:

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).

These people did not immediately close their eyes to further light. On the contrary, they gave Paul an interested hearing, listening with open minds to what he had to say. But they were not gullible either for, having listened to Paul, they subjected his word to God's Word, searching the Scriptures daily to see whether those things were so. For this God called them "noble". They were the true spiritual aristocracy of their day.

We should all be Bereans, spiritually big enough to listen with open minds to the teachings of men, and then big enough to subject their teachings to the Word of God, the Bible, to see for ourselves whether these things are so. Our Lord said: "Search the Scriptures... for... they... testify of Me" (John 5:39). As we do this we will find eternal life -- and more -- in Christ.

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May 17, 2010

THE "RIGHTNESS" OF GOD
by Cornelius R. Stam


St. Paul's great Epistle to the Romans has much to say about "the righteousness of God"; in fact this is the theme of the Book of Romans. Sad to say, however, the Bible is so little read and studied of late that many people do not even know what the word "righteousness" means.

Actually, every man, woman and child should know about the righteousness of God -- or, to simplify the word -- the rightness of God. It is most important to understand that God does always and only that which is right. He can do nothing and will do nothing that is not right.

Thus God cannot and does not merely forgive sinners and smuggle them into heaven, for this would not be right. As Job 8:20 rightly says: "Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man; neither will He help evil doers", for neither would be right.

It was Bildad who said this to Job, and Job replied, almost exasperated: "I know it is so of a truth, but how shall a man be just with God?" In other words, how can a holy God look upon a sinner and pronounce him righteous?

With this background let's consider Paul's great declaration in Romans 1:16,17:

"I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth...for therein is the righteousness [i.e., the rightness] of God revealed...."

True the love of God is revealed in the gospel, but what made Paul so proud to proclaim the gospel is the fact that it tells how God dealt "righteously", or rightly with sin, paying its just penalty Himself at Calvary so that He might offer salvation to all by free grace.

Thus the Apostle declares in Romans 6:23: "The wages of sin is death [this is its just penalty]; but the [free] gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord".

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May 18, 2010

NO TIME FOR GOD?
by Cornelius R. Stam


Those who have no time for God should consider what their circumstances would be if He had no time for them; no time to paint the sunsets, no time to send the warm sun's rays or the refreshing showers, no time to make the crops and flowers grow. We doubt that any thinking person would actually want nothing to do with God.

Cain despised God's authority and finally murdered his brother, but when he was driven from the presence of God he said: "My punishment is greater than I can bear" (Genesis 4:13).

One of the saddest sentences in the gospel records is our Lord's prediction that He would have to say to some: "I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:23).

Just what it will mean to be "cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15), we pray God none of our readers will ever find out, but the Scriptures do clearly indicate that those involved will be cast forever out of the presence of God.

Thank God, it is not He who desires this. He paid for our sins at Calvary to reconcile us to Himself (Ephesians 2:16). St. Paul declares that God has called believers "unto the fellowship of His Son" (1 Corinthians 1:9) and that at His coming for them they shall "ever be with the Lord," adding: "wherefore, comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:17,18 ).

"Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20).

God has demonstrated His love for us in Christ. Why not respond by gratefully trusting Christ as your Savior?

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May 19, 2010

GRACE TODAY AND TOMORROW
by Cornelius R. Stam

Paul learned what thousands upon thousands of God's saints have learned from his day to ours: that it is often more blessed to experience God's grace in suffering than to enjoy deliverance from suffering, for in the former case we lean the harder and pray the more, and so are drawn closer to Him. Moreover, we find that His strength is made perfect in weakness and that when we are weak, then are we strong (2 Corinthians 12:9,10).

But even better things are in store for God's people: Some day, "in the ages to come," God will display to all the universe "the exceeding riches of His grace." How will He do this? "In His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7).

Dear reader, have you accepted the grace of God in Christ Jesus? Do you believe that He loves you and that He "came into the world" to bear all the blame and shame and punishment that was your due, so that you might be "justified freely by His grace" (Romans 3:24)?

If not, will you take Him at His Word now and come to know the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:15:

"For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God."

Whatever your past; however great or many your sins, take God at His Word. Believe that He loves you in spite of all. Believe that He has already provided the payment for your sins in Christ:

"In whom we have redemption. through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7).

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May 20, 2010

GRACE REIGNS THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS
by Russell S. Miller

In addition to those other passages in Paul's epistles, where "Grace", "Faith", and "Righteousness" are found, The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews contains the following references to "Grace and Faith" as well as "Grace and Peace":

"The throne of grace..." (Hebrews 4:16), so grace reigns.

"The King of righteousness..." (Hebrews 7:2).

But you argue Christ is the Head of the Church, not King. However the reference is to the mysterious Melchisedec priesthood. Yet I Timothy 1:17 states that our Lord is "the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God...". While 1 Timothy 6:15 calls our Lord, "...the blessed and only Potentate...". Nevertheless, "grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 5:21).

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Hebrews 9:12).

"Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God" (Romans 3:25).

"...The spirit of grace..." (Hebrews 10:29), in conjunction with "the Word of grace" (Acts 20:32), teaches us to "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10).

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17).

"...The God of peace..." (Hebrews 13:20).

It is so comforting to know that our God is dispensing "grace" and "peace" today. This blessed theme is prevalent in all of Paul's epistles, the theme that he and Timothy "preached every where in every church" (1 Corinthians 4:17).

"Grace be with you all..." (Hebrews 13:25).

"Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:3).

Indeed, while many find it difficult to believe the Epistles of Saint Paul, may you find comfort in knowing the wonderful and marvelous truth that "Grace and Peace" reign through His "Righteousness" today.

[nChrist]

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May 21, 2010

"DEAD FAITH"
by Cornelius R. Stam

Nothing in the Bible is stated more clearly or with greater emphasis than the blessed Pauline revelation of justification by grace, through faith, without works.

Romans 4:5: "To him that worketh not, but believeth...his faith is counted for righteousness". Ephesians 2:8,9: "For by grace are ye saved, through faith...it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast". Titus 3:5: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us".

Yet James states, just as clearly that "faith, if it hath not works is dead, being alone" (James 2:17). He challenges professing believers: "Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith BY my works" (Ver.18 ), and declares that "by works a man is justified and not by faith only" (Ver.24), since "faith without works is dead".

Some have imagined a contradiction here, while actually there is none. There is a dispensational distinction, for to Paul had been committed "the dispensation of the grace of God" (Ephesians 3:1,2). His was "the preaching of the cross" (1 Corinthians 1:18 ), offering salvation by grace, through faith alone, to all who would trust Christ as Saviour.

James, on the other hand, was an apostle of the kingdom, proclaiming the kingdom rights of Christ and offering a changed way of life on earth which had already been experienced by the disciples in Judaea (Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-35).

Hence with James the emphasis is on works, not because good works can save or even help to save, but because true faith inevitably bears fruit and we can judge true faith only by the fruit it bears. Our Lord said: "By their fruits ye shall know them". Hence James' epistle abounds with such phraseology as, "ye see", "show me", "I will show you", etc.

What we must be careful to remember is that according to both Paul and James, faith comes first, then good works. Faith is the root, good works the fruit. The absence of fruit indicates that the root is dead, that while there may be an intellectual assent, there is no true heart faith, and "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6).

The source of justification is grace; the basis, Calvary; the means, faith; and the evidence, works. Think this through; accept God's grace and trust the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord. He will cause you to produce good fruit.

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May 22, 2010

A RANSOM FOR ALL
by Cornelius R. Stam

"For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (1 Timothy 2:5,6).

Man, in his present condition is not fit to stand in the presence of a holy God. If we are honest with ourselves we will feel the need of a mediator -- a go-between -- who can represent us in the presence of God. Job felt this when, realizing this need, he cried: "There is no daysman who can lay his hand upon us both" (Job 9:33).

Thank God, a "daysman" or "mediator" has been provided for sinful men -- a go-between, who can act as an intermediary between sinful men and a holy God. This Mediator is Christ, Son of God and Son of man.

What a blessing to know that the Son of God became the Son of man that the sons of men might become the sons of God! Though perfect and sinless, He died upon Calvary's cross, disgraced as a malefactor, so that His payment for sin might be credited to our account and we might stand before God without one sin to our charge.

Though Christ's death for sin was credited to all believers, even of past ages, it was not proclaimed until sometime after the cross, when God in grace saved Saul of Tarsus, the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). This is why the Apostle declares that Christ "gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."

It was when Saul, the chief of sinners, was saved on the road to Damascus, that God began to show to him that Christ had died as "a ransom for all," and God sent him forth to proclaim this glorious message.

This is why Paul's epistles are so filled with references to salvation through the cross, the death, the blood of Christ. And it is on this basis that the Apostle offers to all salvation by grace, through faith in the finished work of Christ, and proclaims to all the simple offer of salvation: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

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May 23, 2010

WHAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED AT CALVARY?
by Cornelius R. Stam

If the Bible makes anything clear, it is the fact that the secret of all God's good news to men is centered in Calvary. It was because Christ was to die for sin that God could proclaim good news to sinners down through the ages.

It was not until some time after the crucifixion, however, that "the preaching of the cross" was widely proclaimed as a message by Paul in "the gospel [good news] of the grace of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18; Acts 20:24).

The proclamation of "the gospel of the grace of God" was the natural accompaniment to the revelation of the cross as the secret of God's good news to man. In this proclamation of His over-abounding grace to sinners, everything centers in the cross.

According to Paul's epistles "we have redemption through His [Christ's] blood" (Ephesians 1:7), we are "justified by His blood" (Romans 5:9), "reconciled to God by the death of His Son" (Romans 5:10), "made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13), and "made the righteousness of God in Him" because "God hath made Him to be sin for us" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The "covenant" of the Law was abolished by the cross (Colossians 2:14), the curse of the Law was removed by the cross (Galatians 3:13), the "middle wall of partition" was broken down by the cross (Ephesians 2:14,15), and believers in Christ are "reconciled to God in one body by the cross" (Ephesians 2:16). Little wonder Paul calls this message "the preaching of the cross"!

To the believers it is thrilling indeed, and how thankful we should be, to see the cross as God's reply to Satan when, at first glance, it had appeared that the cross was Satan's greatest triumph.

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May 24, 2010

THE BLESSINGS OF CRISIS
by Cornelius R. Stam

The Apostle Paul, who had been through one desperate crisis after another, wrote as follows:

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28 ).

How many people have found life going along smoothly for years when, all of a sudden, they have found themselves in the middle of some serious crisis!

Perhaps the sudden death of a loved one changed life completely and presented serious problems wholly unanticipated. Perhaps it was the sudden loss of wealth, so that life had to be completely readjusted. There are hundreds of unexpected incidents that can suddenly bring one face to face with stark and stern realities completely unforeseen.

For believers in the Lord Jesus Christ such crises can prove great spiritual blessings. They tend to draw us closer to our heavenly Father, to cause us to pray more and to lean harder upon Him. They show us the insecurity of all that is temporal and give us a greater appreciation of our eternal security in Christ. They give deeper meaning to the Scriptures we study and even to the hymns we sing. They sanctify and enrich our fellowships.

To those -- and only those -- who truly love God and are "the called according to His purpose," all things do indeed "work together for good" -- caused by God, of course, to "work together for good."

This is why God's Word to the Christian is:

"Be careful [care full] for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6,7).

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May 25, 2010

"THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH"
by Russell S. Miller

Some suppose that somehow, in the final analysis, their "good works" will outweigh the bad works they do and God will accept them into His heaven. But is it good works that save?

Of the first two children born into this world, Cain brought of the fruit of the ground--that, which his works had produced--with which to worship the Lord, while Abel, his brother, offered the sacrificial lamb that God required.

"By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh" (Hebrews 11:4).

God rejected Cain's offering because he had not obeyed the Lord God. But a far greater sacrifice than Abel's has been offered on our behalf. "Christ died for our sins" (1 Corinthians 15:3). Now the question must be asked, Have you believed the Lord in this? As long as men continue in unbelief, and reject the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, they will remain angry and bitter and wicked sinners in the sight of a thrice Holy God.

Such are the deeds of those who place their will over the written Word of God, as their evil doings are reported daily over radio, TV and in our newspapers.

But God is able to turn "the wickedness of men" into the greatest good, as we have seen. For, when wicked men crucified the Lord, little did they know "that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them..." (2 Corinthians 5:19). Little did they know, that this event in history--the crucifixion of Christ--would bring "to nought" all this world's wisdom. Little did they know, that God had a secret eternal purpose in Christ:

"Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (1 Corinthians 2:8 ).

Study God's Word, especially the Epistles of St. Paul, and discover that Christ IS the great Victor over sin, death, the grave, and hell. You will also be rejoicing in all that He accomplished on Calvary's cross--"the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Timothy 2:10), and His "more excellent sacrifice", to which all the types and shadows pointed.

"The preaching of the cross" constitutes the obedience of faith today. It is therefore faith, and faith alone, in the finished work of Christ that saves:

"NEITHER BY THE BLOOD OF GOATS AND CALVES, BUT BY HIS OWN BLOOD HE ENTERED IN ONCE INTO THE HOLY PLACE, HAVING OBTAINED ETERNAL REDEMPTION FOR US" (Hebrews 9:12).

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May 26, 2010

THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS
by Cornelius R. Stam

Some three thousand years ago, and about one thousand years before Christ, the Psalmist said:

"If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee..." (Psalms 130:3,4).

The Psalmist did not explain, however, upon what basis a just and holy God could forgive a guilty sinner. This was to be proclaimed one thousand years later by the Apostle Paul, himself once "a blasphemer, and a persecutor and injurious"; the "chief" of sinners, but forgiven and saved by the infinite grace of God (1 Timothy 1:13-15).

Preaching Christ at Antioch, in the province of Pisidia, Paul declared:

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that THROUGH THIS MAN IS PREACHED UNTO YOU THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, AND BY HIM ALL THAT BELIEVE ARE JUSTIFIED FROM ALL THINGS, FROM WHICH YE COULD NOT BE JUSTIFIED BY THE LAW OF MOSES" (Acts 13:38,39).

But even this does not fully answer our question, for we must still ask: On what basis does God forgive sins through "this Man"? The answer is: on the basis of His payment for our sins on Calvary's cross. Thus the Apostle wrote to the Romans, explaining how we may be...

"...justified freely by His [God's] grace, THROUGH THE REDEMPTION THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS" (Romans 3:24).

Now, thank God, through Christ's finished work, there is not a sinner who needs to remain unforgiven, for:

"In [Christ] we have redemption, through His blood, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE" (Ephesians 1:7).

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May 27, 2010

HOW SMALL WE ARE!
by Cornelius R. Stam

Just behind me, in the supermarket check-out line, were two little boys. I noticed that the older one kept looking up at me and then down at his brother again several times in succession. Finally, nudging his little brother and pointing up at me, he said: "Hey, Joey, look how little you are!"

Those who have seen me in the flesh know that I am not exactly small, physically, and I can easily imagine that, standing next to these little fellows, I made them look small indeed!

But all this pertained only to the physical, and as I left that supermarket, I began asking myself: "How big are you, actually, in the sight of God?" I thought of Psalms 8:3,4, where David mused over the same question:

"When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what is man that Thou art mindful of Him...?"

Yet we are so important to the heart of God that He entered the stream of humanity, as it were, and became one of us in Christ, Son of God and Son of Man. Why? Hebrews 2:14,15 gives us one important reason:

"...that through death [His death for our sins] He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil, and deliver those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

Moreover, insignificant as we are in ourselves, He would use us mightily to His glory for, according to 1 Corinthians 1:27,28, He has "chosen" the "foolish," the "weak," the "base," the "despised," and those who "are not" to accomplish His purposes and to bring to naught the plans of the world's great ones.

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May 28, 2010

RED LIKE CRIMSON
by Russell S. Miller

"Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you" (Hebrews 9:18-20).

There are three different Hebrew words for "crimson" in the Old Testament with 41 occurrences translated by four different English words in our King James Version of the Bible. Of these Hebrew words one is always rendered "crimson" in the English (2 Chronicles 2:7,14; 3:14). Another is rendered by "scarlet," "scarlet thread," and "crimson," in 35 passages. While the third Hebrew word is translated "worms" in Exodus 16:20, "like crimson" in Isaiah 1:18, and "scarlet" in Lamentations 4:5.

Another interesting Hebrew word, "worm," so rendered seven times, used of the color from it and of the cloths dyed therewith, is also translated "scarlet" twenty-nine times. Under the law, in David's day, a sacrifice was required for sin. The Psalmist, therefore, uses the same word in Psalms 22:6 to describe the Lord's sufferings on the cross as your sin, and mine, twisted and wrenched His body: "But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people" (Psalms 22:6). Not only was there the shame and disgrace associated with that accursed cross, but these words also speak of the writhing agony that His soul bore for the sin of the world (2 Corinthians 5:21).

"And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46).

The prophet Isaiah also described our Lord, and His appearance, as He suffered there for your sins and mine: "His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men" (Isaiah 52:14). They "scourged" the Lord, and made Him carry that heavy wooden cross until He could no longer bear up under its weight. They drove spikes into His hands and feet and they "crucified" Him in "a place called Golgotha--a place of a skull" (Matthew 27:27-35). The Lord's words in John 15:25 could not have been more true; "They hated Me without a cause." Yet from that cruel cross, our Lord prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34), and still the Father pleads:

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18 ).

In the revelation that was given to the Apostle Paul, he further confirms these things concerning the sufferings of Christ and His death on Calvary's cross: "For [God] hath made Him to be sin for us, [Christ] who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). That "scarlet thread" (Joshua 2:18,21) that followed Joshua, and Israel, throughout their history answers to the blood-stained cross of Calvary, and we must also look to Jesus Christ, and Calvary's cross for salvation from sin today. The blood that flowed from the crown of His head, from His hands and feet, and from His side that was pierced with that spear, was NOT tainted with sin. The Creator, our Lord Jesus Christ, died, that day, to redeem the creature from his sins.

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree" (Galatians 3:13).

"Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation THROUGH FAITH in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that [God] might be just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" (Romans 3:25-26).

Have you trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour? Won't you trust His finished work of redemption on your behalf? Won't you believe on Him who died for you on that cross to save you from your sins? Believe, and be saved, today.