Friday, 20 November 2020
Fruits of His Obedience
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life (Romans 5:18).
Under the Old Testament, God’s blessings for the children of Israel were preconditioned on their obedience to the Law. For example, God had desired that they walk as kings and priests before Him, but their obedience was a prerequisite for the blessings to take effect in their lives. In Exodus 19:5-6, He said, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation...”
However, they broke His laws and couldn’t enjoy the fullness of His blessings and promises. But that isn’t the case with us today in the New Testament. Colossians 1:12 says, “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” We’ve been qualified to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the Kingdom of light. We’re sharers and participants in the blessings and benefits of the Kingdom-life reserved for all of God’s saints. This didn’t happen by your obedience, but by Christ’s obedience (Romans 5:19).
Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, and then abolished it. You’re the fruit of His obedience. By His obedience, God’s gift — His blessing of righteousness was bequeathed to you. Today, it’s no use trying to “obey” the Law for God to bless you; you were born blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
Nowhere in the New Testament are we told to “obey” to be blessed; rather, we’re called His obedient ones (1 Peter 1:14). We’re described as having “obeyed” God’s Word of truth from the heart (Romans 6:17). So your blessings, your inheritance in Christ, are the results of Christ’s redemptive work in your behalf. Hallelujah!
PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank you for the realisation that my blessings are the results of Christ’s redemptive work, and on who I am in Him. I’m an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ! In Christ, all your promises are fulfilled in my life, and I live in total satisfaction and fulfilment, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 3:21; 2 Peter 1:3-4
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: James 3:14-4:1-12 & Ezekiel 22-23
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 5:1-21 & Daniel 5-6