Seattle, November 02, 2005. (118)
THE BENEDICTION OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS.
THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS. 2 Cor. 13:14a Grace, has at times been mislabeled as being permissiveness. Grace is, His favor bestowed on beneficiaries who are most unworthy and undeserving. It is not given because of good works. However it does produce good works, or works of righteousness in those who are blessed by His grace. Grace is the gift of God know as salvation. A work of faith in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:8 To participate of His grace it is necessary that we be cleansed, forgiven of our sin. A purification that can only be achieved by the precious blood of redemption, the blood of the Lord Jesus. Such an experience opens the door for the abundance of the riches of His grace to be manifest. There is no limit to His grace. It covers the very worst of sinners and makes them pure in His sight. Eph. 1:7.
THE LOVE OF THE FATHER. 2 Cor. 13:14b Love beyond _expression. Love which forgives and covers a multitude of sin. We often commiserate with Abraham offering Isaac and speak of the intensity of the emotions that stirred in his breast. How can we comprehend the intensity of the heart of the Father when He sent His Son to the tree? The cries of Christ on the cross when His humanity questioned the forsaking of His Father. Mat. 27:46 How greatly the loving heart of the Father must have hurt in that horrific moment of time when Jesus became sin, for every man. The love of the Father is aptly displayed by the sending of His Son into the world to become the Lamb of God. The only true and effectual sacrifice. His whole nature and being is love. To have Him in our life is to love, love the Lord and our fellow man. Love is the assurance of His eternal presence in our life. 1 John 4:16
FELLOWSHIPING THE HOLY SPIRT. It is the Holy Spirit who was sent into the world to reveal the Christ of God to us. Jesus called Him the Spirit of truth. Therefore His words are true words. He has come to exalt and reveal the Lord Jesus. He will not speak of Himself. He will not seek to be worshiped. Should we then pray to Him? John 16:13-15 Jesus said, “Whatsoever ye ask in my name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13 The Holy Spirit is He who creates communion or partnership between the Lord and those who follow Him. He unites us with Christ, making us one.