September 11, 2004

THE ONE WHO BRINGS US TO GOD

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God" (1 Peter 3:18, NIV).

This portrait of our Saviour beautifully describes His role of bringing a lost race back to oneness and peace with God. It portrays Christ as graciously and personally leading the sinner to God.

The process of bringing us to God has three essential acts: (1) Jesus suffered for us, (2) He died for us, and (3) He rose triumphantly from the grave for us. All this was done that He might bring us to God. By paying the penalty for our sins, Christ brings us to God clothed in His righteousness. Peter's phrase, "bring you to God," is descriptive of our restoration to God's favor through Christ's sacrifice.

When Jesus brings us to God, we are not merely forgiven for past sins; we are fully restored to favor with Him. When restoration takes place, there is no feeling of shame and condemnation (see Romans 8:1). A released criminal may be grateful, but full of shame and a lack of self-respect. Not so when restoration takes place. Because Christ has brought us to God, there is a sense of newness, well-being, and self-respect that produces peace with God (see Romans 5:1).

When Jesus brings us to God, it is not just an introduction or a brief interview; it is the beginning of a life-long relationship of joy and peace. What a privilege to be brought to God by Jesus Christ! "When we had nothing to recommend us to God, Christ gave his life for us. With his long human arm he encircles the race... while with his divine arm he grasps the throne of the infinite. With his own body the Saviour has bridged the gulf that sin has made."--The General Conference Bulletin, April 8, 1901.

My Prayer Today: Lord, thank You for bringing me back to Yourself. Amen.