The Love of God

The Love of God

       The New Testament describes the love of God as the active motive arranging salvation and sanctification for lost people.( Ephesians 1, Romans 5) It also presents the love of God as the spiritual substance of Christian maturity ( Peter 1). Likewise Paul’s longing in his prayer for the believers at Ephesus was that they might be grounded in the love of God and filled with the love of God  - “to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,  that you might be filled with all the fullness of God ( Ephesians 3:19).

        This is not cheap love, not indiscriminate love, not crazy love, not bland or blind love. This is relational love from an all knowing , intelligent God, who in spite of the unworthiness of the one loved, HE cared enough to give His own Son as a sacrifice. He connects with the individual, as a father is connected to a child. He reconciles to Himself and His ways those who believe in His son.

         Ephesians 6.24 speaks of “sincere love”. In contrast to the many perversions of love mentioned in Ephesians, God’s love is in keeping with His character – not only personal and intelligent, but also pure and wise(all the time). It is not mixed with sinister motive nor dark objectives. God’s love is not corrupted by time or age. Best of all it is not corrupted by the object loved.

         This love divine is not like the pension – it is there if one applies for it and then comes from some bottomless government bucket to be used or abused without gratitude to the giver. NO. I fear that the dumbing down of God and His love, has corrupted the true reality of ‘Agape’ love. Unquenchable love from a holy , personal God is much more meaningful and precious than the abstract love of a smothering god who does not bother with holiness or judgement.

             “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us               while we were yet sinners.” (Romans 5.8)

Didn’t God love us as we were born? Didn’t He love us as wandering prodigals? Why then this “Christ dying for us”? Was there a problem? This letter to the Romans describes the real problem of rebellious humanity (chapters 1,2,3) and God’s method of triumphing over it in Christ.  This active love of God reaches a lofty climax in chapter 8.39  “ nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”. 

How different to fickle human love. This is not blind love that cannot see evil. Rather this is God’s active love that rescues, redeems, reconciles and finally glorifies all who believe in God’ beloved Son. And so it is that we can love, because He first loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. God’s love can be perfected in us.( and John would add, let us love not in word but in deed)

Psalm 2 , written so long ago, captures in poetic language, the call of God to  “kiss the Son...............blessed are all they that put their trust in Him” and the psalms then speak so much about the loving kindness of God.

One could fill many pages , referring to many, many Bible references, but I encourage you the reader to look up the many references to ‘love’ in God’s word and gain a balanced, fuller understanding of God’s love. One of the most important questions to settle in our day of corrupted meanings is – ‘what is love?’  is it a feeling, a motive or what?      Maybe you could email to me your definition!

johnmckee@internode.on.net

The Gospel of John

The Gospel according to John the Apostle

         John gathers together timeless truth needed by all people for all times. In contrast to the passing religious fads that claim superior knowledge, (Gnostics) the truth of John 1 has and will endure through time into eternity.

   

      John’s focus is immediate – upon the one who came down from heaven. The contrast between His heavenly, intrinsic glory and His earthy obscurity is set forth right to the end of the book.

He is the Word, the final, full communication from God (Hebrews 1:1) , yet He is unknown  among His people (the Jews). In the end they crucify Him because He ‘made Himself the Son of God’ ( John 19.7).

        As we read John’s account of the evidence (signs), he has no hesitation in declaring that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God.  The first sign seems to demonstrate His control over nature by the word of His mouth. The discourse with Nicodemus leads to the conclusion that all, the Jews and the world at large , need a new start, a new spiritual connection with God. It is interesting that the promise of life eternal is linked to the Lord being lifted up (on the cross). The last verse of John 3 is somewhat of a summary of God’s grace revealed -  life eternal is for all those who  believe in God’s Son, or wrath from God to those who choose not to believe in Him. Although God’s love has moved to the whole world (cosmos), God remains true to His character in giving human beings the free choice, along with accountability for the choice.

      Chapter 4 sees the grace of God (John 1:17) reaching out to the world beginning  with the unlikely Samaritans. This chapter concludes with the second sign identified by John the writer – that Jesus could heal a person without being present with that person. Time and space were no obstacle to Him. The official believed this and was blessed as a result.

I trust that we likewise have that simple yet intelligent faith in HIM. To receive HIM, believing in HIS name ( i.e accepting His claims as Son of God), trusting HIS word, and submitting to HIM as the true Word of God.

      John in his 1^st letter concludes

“Whoever  has the Son ,has life. whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:12)

     Knowing God is possible, not through the systems or imaginative theories of men, but rather through faith in the Son of God. (John 17.3).  He is the way, the truth and the life, and thus we can know the truth, as we know HIM. His word is sure, His promises are trustworthy.

     How blessed we are to have the Bible as our compass pointing us to Jesus Christ the Son of the living God. From Genesis 1 to Revelation 22, HE is revealed in His majestic glory.

johnmckee@internode.on.net

Comfort in the death of Christ Jesus our Lord

             My weekly articles have been delayed because my Mother passed away recently. In the midst of sorrow is there any consolation from the cross?  Yes, much indeed.
            My Mother looked ahead into the great hereafter with calm assurance that all was well for eternity. This assurance came not from her own goodness, but a simple faith in the promises of God which were verified as reliable by the knowledge that "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that He was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures". With real meaning one could say "The Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me"
              As I read the story of the crucifixion, I look a little beyond the great truths of atonement and hear the Saviour say to the repentant thief crucified next to Him - "Today you will be with Me in paradise"   This can only mean one thing - that beyond death there was a place of blessedness, being with Christ which is far better!

             Once again for those facing impending death, or mourning the loss, let us turn again our eyes upon Jesus, once crucified, now risen and living forever more.

John McKee

An offering and a sacrifice

In our investigation into the death of Christ, I would like to draw a little from the teachings of the Apostles, who were commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ to convey the deep truths  of Himself to the believers by the Holy Spirit. (John 16)

       In this article I will begin with Ephesians 5:1 “ Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God”

This gives special light as to the spiritual aspect of Christ dying on the cross.

1^st   It was motivated by love

2^nd   He voluntarily gave Himself

3^rd   It was on behalf of others

4^th   Beyond the shame of crucifixion, there was somehow a fragrance

5^th   It was an offering, a present to God

6^th   It was a sacrifice achieving atonement

7^th   It was to God

       This dispels the notion that His death was only an example for us, or that it was a mistake, or a failed mission. It implies that His death is better understood from the types and symbols of the Old Testament linked to the Temple services. This changes the cross to an alter, from something of shame to that of a sweet smelling fragrance . This aspect of the death of Christ provides the basis for God to invite the unworthy, the offender, the transgressor to return and be forgiven. (see Leviticus 1-7)

   Why would God give His Son – because of love (the highest motive)

   Why would the Lord Jesus Christ suffer so – because of love (the highest motive) . And so very much was accomplished for God and mankind by that death.

e.g. The much longed for fragrance of a holy human life presented to God both in the babe presented to God in the temple (Luke 3) and the unspoiled man offering Himself without spot to God on the cross.(Hebrews 9:14).

Then beyond this , the sacrifice as a substitute on behalf of guilty sinners. He, in virtue of His infinite worth, bearing the guilt of those who would draw near to God. In the Old Testament this demanded confession of the sin and the death of an animal as a sacrifice.

“So also Christ died only once as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people”  - ( Hebrews 9:28 )

“Christ also suffered when He died for our sins once for all time. He never sinned , but He died for sinners that He might bring us to God” ( 1 Peter 3:16 )

Does the teaching of the Lord Jesus support this deeper meaning ? ‘YES.’

He used the following references (and more) to indicate the spiritual character of His sufferings:

“a ransom for many”  Mark 10:45

“Moses and Elijah.... speaking of how He was about to fulfil God’s plan by dying in Jerusalem “ Luke 9:31

“If I be lifted up, I will draw every one to myself” John 12:32

“I lay down my life for the sheep” John 10:15

“This bread is my flesh, offered so the world may live” John 6:51

“Yes it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again, that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name among all nations. “ Luke 24:46,47

I trust my readers will be inspired to search out  these deep and meaningful truths.

John McKee

Why did Jesus suffer so?

One might well ask – why did the death of the Lord Jesus Christ involve so many people including both Jews and Gentiles?? Why not a private sacrifice like Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah? My one line answer is – to demonstrate the depravity of humanity without God, and to vindicate the just judgement of God.

      Let me outline a few items.

 The betrayal and Sanhedrin judgements exposed the real condition of the Jewish nation – by stealth they took Him and instead of giving Him a fair trial, they faked a trial and condemned Him to death because He claimed to be the Son of God.

 The trial by Pilate , as the representative of the Gentiles also showed up that these ‘principalities and powers’ were more interested in pleasing men than delivering  justice. 

       As Ephesians 2 explains, the cross abolishes the law of commandments as unworkable in human hands, and also shows the distance of Gentiles having no hope and without God. Now at the foot of the cross, both Jew and Gentile can be reconciled to God by the blood of Christ.

   Why the torture, mocking, insulting?  One answer is that the Old Testament scripture had prophesied that it would happen. But why? One clue is found in the word’s of the Lord in the garden when the guards came to arrest Him (Luke 22) “This is your hour and the power of darkness” .  Somehow this seemed to be the hour when God withdrew His restraining hand and let these proud humans expose their true character.

   To some extent He became an example for us in suffering (1Peter 2) Also as our intercessor now in heaven, He is well acquainted with the suffering of His people, having Himself suffered in the flesh.

     Why a cross? – one reason is explained in Galatians 3:13 “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.”. The Lord Jesus by thus dying became “a curse  for us”, thus setting us free from the curse of a broken law. Another quote from the Lord in John 12 “ I if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all unto me”. He who humbled Himself to the deepest shame, has been exalted to the highest glory. (Philippians 2 ) and will one day see the travail of His soul  and be satisfied as the believers are gathered home.

    On the black background of human failure, shines the all glorious character of God’s spotless, sensitive, selfless Son. As a lamb led to the slaughter, He quietly blesses His persecutors with “Father forgive them”.

Well might the Centurion say “This man was the Son of God” (Matthew 27)

Let us worship Him who was ‘wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities.......’ (Isaiah 53)

johnmckee@internode.on.net

The deeper meaning of The death of the Lord Jesus

Investigating the death of the Lord Jesus, I return again to the commentary He gave Himself.

 Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22  all record His comments about the bread and the cup. “This is my body”- I suggest He was saying to the disciples , like the unleavened bread of the Passover feast, ‘ I have been sent by God, I am unleavened (undefiled)  in the world, I am now available for sacrifice to God and for mankind.’ Luke confirms this by adding along with the apostle Paul  - “given for you”.

Then He refers to the cup (apparently a special cup in the Passover ceremony), by saying “this is my blood”. The commentary He gives, explains the symbolism.

Matthew 26:28 “ blood of the covenant, poured out for many, for the forgiveness of sins”

“ blood of the covenant”-  this would take every Jewish mind back to the communication of Jehovah to Israel through Moses. Their only acceptance in that covenant was on the basis of sacrifice, the basis of shed blood. The NT letter to the Hebrews explains in detail how this is relevant for believers today, with this summary – “ He (Jesus Christ) entered once for all into the holy places (heaven itself) not by means of the blood of goats and bulls, but by means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12).

So the question of ‘blood shed’ arises. This really deserves an extended study from Genesis to Revelation. In the brevity of this article I will give my summary :-

Genesis – When Abel was killed by Cain, God said “the voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground”

              To Noah God said “you shall not eat the flesh with it’s life , that is the blood”

 Exodus – to Moses God said “When I see the blood I will pass over you”

                Again for Aaron “ He shall take some of the blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the front of the mercy seat.......”

Using a concordance to trace the frequent use  of the term ‘blood’ and ‘blood shed’ I conclude that beyond the literal blood, was the meaning of a life taken, or given. Sometimes in war, sometimes by murder and sometimes by sacrifice. In the Old Covenant which was rather physical, God called for much animal blood to be shed, to be sprinkled in the tabernacle  and temple. The Israelites were thus confronted with the costliness of sin, the cost of redemption, the cost of atonement and acceptance, forgiveness and peace. While the Israelites saw much of this, I suggest that the blood was primarily for the eye of God ( “when I see the blood”  Sprinkled “in the holy place”). Yes the blood was a symbol of something, or someone dying in their stead.

So it was that sombre night in Jerusalem,  the Lord said “My blood....  for YOU” (Luke 22) Thus the Lord describes His life being given for others.

In Matthew’s quotation, the Lord includes “ for the forgiveness of sins”  - these Jewish disciples well knew that  forgiveness came at a price – the sin offering, the trespass offering, and so  the Lord in His death pays the debt of sin! The cross of shame becomes an alter of sacrifice!

Some have maintained that His blood was shed in the garden, by the crown of thorns, when he was whipped etc – well physically that may well be true, but following through the theme of sacrifice, I suggest His blood was shed when He ‘gave up His Spirit’. This was not something of man’s doing. This was the good Shepherd , according to the commandment of the Father,  ‘laying down His life for the sheep (John 10). John records the soldier drawing blood and water from the Saviour’s side, which I see as the confirmation that death had already taken place. Paul , Peter and John all develop the truth that Jesus ‘yielded up Himself as an offering and a sacrifice to God on our behalf’.

When we come to the book of Revelation, the people are “ washed in the blood of the Lamb” . To the natural mind this is rightly obnoxious, but to those who understand God’s holy hatred of sin, the divinely instructed means of sacrifice the value of the Lamb of God  -- this symbolic language is vibrant with precious meaning i.e. to be cleansed , accepted  by virtue of the once for all sacrifice of Him who said “My blood shed for you”.

Little wonder that this ‘breaking of bread’ became special to the Christians. By this they could intelligently remember the Lord’s death. Intelligent about the event, but so much more – intelligent as to who died, how He died, why He died !

I would  encourage all who are able, to search deeply into these heavenly truths. It  will cause you to bow and worship.

John McKee

Death Of Christ explained by Christ

Passover explanation of the death of Christ.

          On the night the Lord Jesus was betrayed, He was deliberate in partaking of the Passover meal. He sent two disciples to prepare, and when the evening came, He said to them “ with desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I say unto you, I will not eat thereof until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

        This most significant statement throws heavenly light on the moment, the hour, the days and the whole of time! Here is a prophetic statement explaining what was about to happen with its connection to history past and history future.

       In brief – ‘His suffering was that of the Passover lamb to effect redemption. The once slain lamb would be pre-eminent in the kingdom of God forever.

       You have noticed that I am going deeper than recounting the story of the unjust trials, the pain of crucifixion etc. Before any of that happened the Lord Jesus pointed His followers to the deeper meaning. Let me pursue the Passover story a little. From the beginning of human history, lambs were offered in sacrifice to God. Abraham made an outstanding statement to Isaac his son – “my son God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering” .  Could it be that this is what the Lord Jesus was referring to when He said “Abraham rejoiced to see My day. He saw it and was glad” (John 8:56).

       The Passover was put in place by God as a means to protect the Israelites from the righteous judgements of God.   True, the gods of Egypt deserved judgement , but how interesting that the Israelites with all their privilege, were not exempt from the judgement of God ( ‘for all have sinned both Jew and Gentile’ ) Only by the death of the lamb ( Exodus 12) , the blood applied to the doorway, was there safety from the judgement of God. Please note that this Passover did set them free from the slavery in Egypt, but of greater importance was the blood of the lamb for the eye of God. So it is when we discern the meaning of the cross, it matters most who God saw ( Jesus, as a lamb without blemish or spot) and what God saw (the precious blood of Christ 1 Peter 1 ).

So putting together the teaching of the Lord about the Passover and the detail of the original purpose, we see the deeper meaning of the sufferings of Christ. Paul put it quite bluntly “Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us”  (1 Corinthians 5:7 )  The apostle Peter brings all this together so well in 1 Peter 1:14-21. I would like to explain Peter’s reference to the Passover by paraphrasing it to give an expanded historical setting and present day relevance.

     1 Peter 1:14

Previously we lived according to our passions and feelings which were misguided because of our ignorance of God’s ways. But now that we have repented and turned to God , we ought to live as those obeying God. We must remember that God remains holy and although He shows us mercy and grace through love, the objective is to make us like Himself – holy. We are privileged to call God our Father, but we do well to remember that God’s judgements still hold us accountable for our actions. The wonderful truth is that although we became debtors to God because of  our failure and offensive to God because of our sin, breaking God’s law incurring a curse, God provided a lamb for redemption, for a ransom. God did not pay our debt with silver or gold, but by the precious blood of a lamb, the Lamb of God ( as identified by John the Baptist ),  who was without blemish in His person and character, and without spot  even though He lived in a very spotty, defiling  world.  This was something God planned before He made the world and was expressed in symbol at the Jewish festival of Passover , but in reality the true Lamb of God has now been made known in Jesus Christ.

It is now our responsibility and opportunity to know God, not through the rituals of law, but through Jesus Christ our Lord. God has verified His acceptance of the Lamb along with the promise of eternal life by raising Jesus from the dead – risen to die no more, risen to sit at the right hand of God in the glory of an all powerful intercessor.

Indeed this should create real faith in God that effects real change in our lives and give real hope for eternity. This good news , this word from God, when received, brings about new birth  and new life.

                            End of paraphrase

Reflect for a moment on the firstborn son in Egypt

– without a lamb  - death

-      By the death of the lamb – alive, indeed alive to God, for God said of the redeemed firstborn  “ it is mine”

So it is that Jesus, once crucified has in resurrection become “the firstborn among many brethren” ( Romans 8:29 )

Is it any wonder that He shall be known eternally as ‘ the Lamb that was slain’.  

We are so blessed to be among those who are redeemed to God by His blood ( Revelation 5 ).

As the Lord Jesus said the Passover would be fulfilled, so it has been fulfilled.

Maybe I need to clarify the meaning of 'redemption', 'blood of the lamb' , 'firstborn' 'sacrifice'

                    yes maybe next time

johnmckee@internode.on.net