The hymn we sang is still bouncing around in my head; "Victory in Jesus" was its name. There's one line in particular that resonates with me still... "of his precious blood's atoning." For the full effect, read the lyrics here: http://www.breadsite.org/lyrics/637.htm. Anyway, what came into my mind as a result of all this is the concept of how efficacious the blood of Christ was, is and will ever be. I mean, just think about the fact that 8.8 pints of blood provided atonement for millions of people and covered an eternity of sin. I'm just saying that Christ's blood is so powerful and effective that you need only believe in it to receive its' effect. That is some truly powerful stuff!
In as much as the precious blood of Christ is wholly sufficient for the justification of all those called unto Him so too is the anointing of The Holy Spirit sufficient for the sanctification of all who believe. The atoning nature of the blood is permanent and the sanctifying nature of the Spirit is equally persistent. No one can withdraw the blood of Christ and no one can recall the indwelling Spirit.
Consider today's study passage...
1 John 2:27 (NIV)
27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984
In this passage we are reminded of the efficacious power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Anyone who has received even one mote of The Spirit is forever changed. A single touch of The Spirit upon your soul and you are forever consecrated to the service of The Lord God Almighty.
No one need teach this and even I belabor the point for if The Spirit is present within you, you already know the truth of this saying. You don't need me to teach you the truth of this matter. For it is The Spirit that does the teaching within the deep caverns of your own heart. The Spirit rages against falsehoods and lies. It soars with truth and wisdom and we mere Christians are swept along in the current of its power.
Knowing the truth of The Father, knowing the truth of The Son, knowing the truth of The Spirit we need only listen to God and his servants, shuttering our ears against the noise and storm of the unbelieving. We do not do this so as to be unaware and so guard our understanding and our faith. We do it because we already know the lies from which we have been redeemed and there is no need for us to revisit them lest we be seduced. All that is required is that we be yielded to The Spirit, attentive to its groanings and leadings and remain in Him.
The Word of God is concentrated and efficacious for the edification of men. The Blood of Christ is concentrated and efficacious for the justification of men. The Indwelling Holy Spirit is concentrated and efficacious for the sanctification of men.
Do Not Dilute!
Carl
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2 comments:
Wow, Carl! These words, if truly believed, internalized, and unleashed in the lives of Christians, could tansforme the world.
You wrote: "The Word of God is concentrated and efficacious for the edification of men. The Blood of Christ is concentrated and efficacious for the justification of men. The Indwelling Holy Spirit is concentrated and efficacious for the sanctification of men."
Jesus said it from the cross, when he declared just before He died, "It is finished!" But unfortunately, even we born-again believers, let our own human nature and self efficacy dampen the power to which you refer as we CHOOSE to let selfishness blunt what Christ gave mankind in His blood.
Sad! ... <'BB><
The hymn you reference is so powerful in my opinion. We sang it at grandma's funeral as her casket was being wheeled out. I miss her so much and think of her so often especially during this time of the year as her birthday nears. I have such beautiful memories of her. However, the memory of that song at that time is one of the strongest as I know His blood atoned for her and she knew it. To me I associate that song with awe over Christ's work for me and with gratefulness for our Grandmother's legacy! Love you!
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