Thy mercy, my God, is the theme
of my song. The entire life experience of
the sons of God in this world is but a preparatory work for
that which is to come. The elect angels have never experienced
sin along with its corruption, and they can but look on with
wonder and amazement at the unfolding of redemption, as it remains
a complete mystery to them. They worship and glorify God
daily, but they can have no true appreciation of the redeeming
work of Christ in the behalf of His chosen people as those
men can, who have known what it is to be lost and separated
from God. Those who are the objects of
Christ's redemption shall forever praise Him. for that which he
so freely performed for them. And they sung a new song, saying,
Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof.
For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood,
out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. What
a glorious privilege, indeed, to be included in that number
for which Christ laid down his life as a sacrificial lamb. That
man who has never been acquainted with the depths of his own sin
and his total unworthiness to dwell in the presence of the
Lord could never have any appreciation for what Christ has done. Yet
those who know themselves to be unworthy of the least of the
Lord's mercies shall rejoice and glorify Him forever for such
an unspeakable gift as the purchase and bestowal of eternal life
upon them. Those who are worthy of death
are presented in the courts of heaven as having never sinned.
So great is the work of Christ in their behalf. John speaks
of a heavenly city coming down and sees it as a bride adorned
for her husband. This city is indeed that bride
which is the church of Jesus Christ, made ready for the unending
wedded bliss that can only exist between a bride whose love has
been earned and the one who purchased and loved her as his own body.
This marriage is described as one in which he will be their
God. A look at the history of the nation of Israel reveals
that they were constantly going after other gods and engaging
in idolatrous practices. One of the greatest laments of
the true Israel of God is that they find themselves prone to
disobedience and unfaithfulness. That day is coming when all of
their unbelief and this wicked flesh shall be put off and he
shall be their God and they shall be his people. This marriage
is described as one in which he will dwell with them forever.
There has never been a time revealed unto men when the Lord has not
had a perfect and unbounded love for those whom he chose in Christ.
According to his purpose, he subjected them to the rigors
of sin and the law, and ultimately to the separation which such
a course of action brought to pass. John sees this barrier
removed in his vision wherein he saw no more see, and now there
being no impediment to their enjoyment of the Lord forever.
For while his affection for them has never waned or changed in
any way, their ability to completely rest in him shall reach its unending
climax in the ages to come when they see him face to face. This
is a marriage in which there will be no more death, pain,
sorrow, or crying. The earth in which we dwell is
but a lowland of sin and sorrow. It is a valley of suffering by
the direct design of him who works all things together for
good to those who are the called according to his purpose. But
it is only a temporary stay for those whom Peter describes as
strangers and pilgrims in the earth. Though the people of God
are in the world, they are not of it, and freely confess to
be looking for a city which hath foundations. They mourn their
sin daily, and long to be free from this body of death. That
which they desire shall be brought to pass when Christ shall come
to claim his purchased possession and wipe their eyes forever.
This is a marriage in which the former things are passed away.
We are all without exception sinners. Thankfully, the Lord
Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. He has not failed
in any wise to accomplish that task, even though we see not
all things yet put under his feet. For the last enemy to be
destroyed is death. Now we are certain that death
itself has been stripped of its power by him who has triumphed
over it openly, but we are yet subject unto death in order to
fulfill his purpose. The certain hope of the resurrection
is that which is the great hope of the sons of God. For we know
that even the state of death upon the people of God is but
a temporary condition. So when this corruptible shall
have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on
immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,
death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and
the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth
us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Do you have this
hope? If you would like a free transcript
of this broadcast, email us at forthepoor at windstream.net.