December 10, 2018: SOAP #3294:  2Timothy 1-4

Scripture:  2Timothy (NIV) 1:9 …This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Observation:  Before the beginning of time, God had purposed to demonstrate His great love by creating a man with the ability to prove his love by his choice.  Satan would be allowed to tempt that creation, and at some point, one would sin and break the special bond between man and his Creator.  That sin would be passed along to all descendants of the first sinner.  God’s great love would then have an avenue of revelation in that God would send Jesus to live with the limitations of a man yet live without sinning.  Then when Jesus was crucified, His death was the payment to atone for all who believe and accept Him as their Lord.

The plan was there all the time, but it was only fully revealed through the life and death of Jesus.  Because of God’s love for man and His character that is faithful to His promises, people could benefit from Jesus’ sacrifice even before He came to earth.  God allowed animal sacrifices to be made prior to the actual sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, on the cross.

Application: Now that the sacrifice of Jesus is complete, He has risen from the dead and returned to His throne in heaven, we can be assured of being forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness when we confess our sins to Him!  (1John 1:9)   The reality of being forgiven is the joy of a right relationship with God.  The proof is the way we live our lives in honor of the One who so loved us!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, help me fully appreciate that I have been forgiven and saved from eternal damnation in hell.  Help me to express that appreciation by honoring the One who took my place on the cross.  Help me live my life in honor of Jesus. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!