November
10, 2003
THE
MIND OF CHRIST IN YOU
"Let
this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being
in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal
with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form
of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.. He humbled
Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the
death of the cross" (Philippians 2:5-8, NKJV).
"Jesus
was the majesty of heaven, the beloved commander of the angels,
who delighted to do His pleasure. He was one with God, 'in
the bosom of the Father' (John 1:18), yet He thought it not
a thing to be desired to be equal with God while man was lost
in sin and misery. He stepped down from His throne, He lift
His crown and royal scepter, and clothed His divinity with
humanity. He humbled Himself even to the death of the cross,
that man might be exalted to a seat with Him upon His throne.
["To him who overcomes I will grant
to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down
with My Father on His throne" (Revelation 3:21).]
In Him we have a complete offering, an infinite sacrifice,
a mighty Saviour, who is able to save to the uttermost all
that come to God by Him. In love He comes to reveal the Father,
to reconcile man to God, to make him a new creature renewed
after the image of Him who created him.
"Our
heavenly Father made an infinite sacrifice in giving His Son
to die for fallen man. The price paid for our redemption should
give us exalted views of what we may become through Christ.
"In
order to fully realize the value of salvation, it is necessary
to understand what it cost. In consequence of limited ideas
of the sufferings of Christ, many place a low estimate upon
the great work of the atonement. The glorious plan of man's
salvation was brought about through the infinite love of God
the Father. In this divine plan is seen the most marvelous
manifestation of the love of God to a fallen race. Such love
as is manifested in the gift of God's beloved Son amazed the
holy angels. 'God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes
in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life'
(John 3:16)."--God's Amazing Grace, p. 160.
The Saviour
is the brightness of His Father's glory and the express image
of His person. He possesses divine majesty, perfection, and
excellence. He is equal with God. "It pleased the Father
that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile
all things to Himself-- having made peace through the blood
of His cross" (Colossians 1:19, 20).
And we
have this privilege, "Let this mind be in you which
was also in Christ Jesus."
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