Thursday | 12 December 2019
The sufferings of the cross were the circumcision of Christ for our sake. In descending beyond the lake of fire, He filled all things so that the potential for sin could be completely removed, not only in this age, but also in the age to come. Eph 4:9‑10. He searched out and dealt with sin in the entire creation so that no place could be found again for it. Before Christ said, ‘It is finished!’, He had accomplished all things that were necessary for the administration of mercy and judgement, forever. Joh 19:28-30. He then took His life back up again according to the command that He had received from the Father. Joh 10:17-18.
Significantly, Jesus did this as the Son of Man who had been made like us in every way, so that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest. Heb 2:17. This means that, in the fellowship of Christ’s offering, we are being delivered from every sin, and also from the other law within us that brings us into captivity to the law of sin and death. Rom 7:23. Because Christ fills all things, sin will never again be able to conquer those who have become new creation sons of God in Him. Christ’s finished work is symbolised by a rod of iron. Rev 12:5. Rev 19:15.
When we received Christ into our heart, we were joined to the fellowship of His offering and sufferings that He experienced in His mortality. Christ made the sufferings that are associated with our fallen condition to be His for the purpose of our redemption. The sufferings that we now experience as sons of God are Christ’s sufferings, and they are working together for our good. Paul, speaking of these sufferings, and of all the circumstances of life that now befall us, said, ‘All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.’ Rom 8:28.
Further Study:
Colossians 2
Daily Proverb:
References:
Eph 4:9-10
Now this, ‘He ascended,’—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.
Joh 19:28-30
After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!’ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Joh 10:17-18
Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.
Heb 2:17
Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Rom 7:23
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Rev 12:5
She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.
Rev 19:15
Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.