Remembrance and the Return to Readiness

Christ died for us (Rom 5:8), that is, for the unjust (1 Jn 3:18), the helpless, the ungodly (Rom 5:6), while we were yet sinners (Rom 5:8). He died for our sins (1 Cor 15:3), bearing them in His body on the cross (1 Pet 2:24). For God laid the iniquity of us all upon the unblemished Lamb of God, slain from before the foundation of the world (Is 53:6; Jn 1:29; Rev 5:6, 12). For God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Cor 5:19), through Him who knew no sin but who was made to be sin for us (2 Cor 5:21), that He might propitiate the sins that warranted the wrath of God against guilty sinners (Rom 3:25; Heb 2:17; 1 Jn 2:2; 4:10).

The precious blood of Christ was shed for the forgiveness of our sins (Mt 26:28; Eph 1:7; Heb 9:22; 1 Pet 1:19), under the new covenant mediated by the God/man (Mt 26:28; 1 Tim 2:5), who came into the world to save His people from their sins (Mt 1:21). By His blood, we have redemption, that is, His purchase buyback of those enslaved to sin, Satan, and the world system (Jn 8:34; 1 Cor 1:30; 6:20; 7:23; Rom 6:6, 16–20).

The salvation of God’s chosen people, by the one and only God and Savior, Jesus Christ, is motivated by the everlasting love of God (Jer 31:3; Rom 11:5; Titus 1:3; 2:13; 3:6; 1 Pet 2:9). In love, before the foundation of the world, God predestined His beloved elect to adoption as sons (Rom 8:30; Eph 1:4–5). In love, the Son of God was sent from heaven and enfleshed (Jn 1:14; 3:16), conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Is 7:14; Mt 1:20), He fulfilled the Law of God (Mt 5:17), being without sin (Heb 4:15), so that when He gave Himself over to death for His bride, His church, it is written, “He loved her and gave Himself for her (Eph 5:25).”

Further, the love of God is poured out into the heart of every elect, redeemed soul (Rom 5:5). The one who loves Christ is one who was first loved by God (1 Jn 4:19). God’s love never fails (1 Cor 13:8), and His promise of everlasting love is sealed by an oath and covenant, saying “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with loving kindness (Jer 31:3).”

It is the love of Christ that constrains the Christian (2 Cor 5:14) to love God with her whole heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mt 22:37; Mk 12:30). Love for neighbors, even enemies, is spurred on by fellow believers, who do good works, so that God the Father may be glorified all the more (Mt 5:16). It is God’s token of love (2 Cor 5:5), the indwelling Holy Spirit (Jn 14:17; Rom 8:9, 11; 1 Cor 3:16; Gal 4:6; 2 Tim 1:14; Jas 4:5), who is willing and doing God’s good pleasure in and through the object of His love (Is 26:12; Phil 2:13). Nothing can separate the children of God from so great a love (Rom 8:31–39).

To consider the Father’s love for His own (1 Jn 3:1), each one known to Him by name (2 Tim 2:19; Rev 13:8; 17:8; 21:27), one must read God’s love letter, the Bible. The revelation of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3:16), tells the good news of all that the Triune God has done for the people who are called by His name (2 Chron 7:14). These are the ones who call upon His name in prayer because He has the name above every other name (Eph 1:21; Phil 2:9).

The day is coming when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess the name of Jesus Christ, as Lord of all (Acts 10:36; Phil 2:11) because He is the King of kings, the King of glory who is worthy of all honor and praise (2 Sam 22:4; Ps 18:3; 24:7; 1 Tim 6:15).

The warrior King is coming to judge the living and the dead, the world, and the angels in righteousness (Ps 96:10, 13; 98:9; Acts 17:31; Rom 3:6; 1 Cor 6:2–3; 2 Tim 4:1; 1 Pet 4:5). The day of the Lord Jesus Christ is the climax of world history because it means the world has come to its end. Judgment Day is the day of wrath for some (Rev 6:16; 19:11–21) and the day of salvation for others (1 Thess 4:13–5:11). It is a day of separation for those who died in Christ, from those who died in sin. It is the day of resurrection to life or to judgment (Jn 5:28–29).

Forever with the Lord, the saints of God will witness the destruction of the fallen creation by fire (2 Pet 3:7, 10–12). The glorified believers will also witness the new heavens and the new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Pet 3:13). Here is Zion, the New Jerusalem, the city of God, and our eternal home (Eccl 12:5; Rev 21–22).

The glory of God, to be revealed to the overcomers (1 Jn 5:4), cannot be compared to anything known in this present age (Rom 8:18). The King of glory, seated on His glorious throne, will emanate the pure light of glory. There is no end to the glorious reign of Him who was made known to us, who were granted repentance and faith to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 5:31; 11:18; Phil 1:29). We shall see Him face to face (Rev 22:4), and He will wipe away every tear of sorrow and every tear of unspeakable joy (Rev 7:17; 21:4).

Dear Christian, Jesus Christ is our only hope in life and death (Col 1:27; Titus 2:13). He is our hope for the resurrection (Acts 23:6; 24:15; 1 Pet 1:3), for He has given us eternal life (Jn 17:2; 1 Jn 5:11). We are convinced of these things because He has given us His Spirit to guide us into all truth (Jn 16:13), as it in Jesus (Eph 4:21).

Let us therefore regain our focus (Heb 12:2) and remember our purpose (Acts 1:8), in fulfillment of our mission (Mt 28:19–20), praying in the Spirit, and may God grant us the wisdom and power of God, that is, more of Christ — in grace and in knowledge (2 Pet 3:18). With the mind-set, with eyes fixed, with powerful affection let us labor together in love, in truth, as unto the Lord.

Christian, your numbered days are vaporous in this futile world of sin and darkness (Jas 4:14); therefore, redeem the time by casting all your cares upon Him who cares for you (1 Pet 5:7). While it is yet called, “today” seek first His kingdom (Mt 6:33). With all He has gifted to you (Eph 4:8), serve Him all of your days upon the earth, running the race to win (1 Cor 9:24). Be dressed in readiness to flee immorality and to resist the devil (Lk 12:35; 1 Cor 6:18; Jas 4:7), by putting on the whole armor of God (Eph 6:10–20), in order to fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12).

May the death of Christ and His triumph ever be your song of remembrance, and may the joy of the Lord ever be your strength (Neh 8:10). He is willing and able to do above all you can think or imagine (Eph 3:20), in order to prepare you for glory (Rom 9:23). With His love set upon you (Dt 7:7), His Spirit permanently within you (Heb 13:5), boast only in Him (1 Cor 1:31), yes, proclaim His excellencies so that the nations may be glad (Ps 67:4; 1 Pet 2:9), for knowing that our God reigns (Ps 47:8; Is 52:7; Rev 19:6).

Are you ashamed of His Gospel of grace? Are you weary and anxious? Christ has come and is believed on in the world (1 Tim 3:16), being faithfully proclaimed among the nations by a great cloud of witnesses that implore you to press on to the mark of your high calling (Phil 3:14; Heb 11:1). Will you heed the call? Remember who you are and be ready for your next assignment. You will because you must.

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

May 28, 2022