FEB 12

Hebrews 7:22
Memorise Matthew 9:13
“…for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…”

When Adam sinned against God, he broke the first covenant that God made with man which was the Covenant of Works. Because of that, mankind was condemned to eternal judgment in hell. All Adam had to do was not to take the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, but instead he chose to disobey. We have to remember that it was mankind that failed, not God. God’s covenant was reasonable, right and achievable, but Adam broke it. However, God did not leave man in this state of condemnation, but devised another way to rescue man and give man another opportunity towards eternal life. This He did through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Through His obedience, Christ fulfilled the covenant of works on behalf of man (Romans 5:15). Through his death, Christ paid the price for the sins of mankind (1 John 2:2). Because Christ fulfilled the law and paid the price of the sins of mankind, God forgives and gives eternal life to those who will receive it. This is the Covenant of Grace. In this covenant, man does not have to fulfill any requirements of works for salvation because Christ has already done so. Hence the word “grace” is used, describing the undeserved merit we are bestowed. Salvation is given not because we fulfilled the law, but because Christ fulfilled it for us. Hebrews 7:22 thus tells us that Christ is the guarantor of this better covenant; He paid what we could not pay.

God in His great mercy gave mankind a second chance. This time, this gift is free. We only need to receive it. We do not contribute to it. It is a covenant that does not have two equal partners; instead it is a covenant in which God alone fulfills both sides of the agreement. Man simply receives it. How wonderful, isn’t it, how God condescends to save man? But the greatest tragedy of mankind is that, even with such a great gift offered to us freely, man in his wickedness still chooses to reject Christ. If only man will understand what God has done for him and how great a travesty he has committed by rebelling against this great love. Brethren, if you are saved, be grateful for what God has done for you. If, however, you have not trusted in Him, please consider what God has done to offer this salvation. Will you reject His love for you? Come to Him today.

Thought: How great is the love of Christ?
Prayer: Father, thank You for loving me enough to send Your Son to die for me.