September 15, 2020 -- John 8:51 -- Evident new life

Truly, truly I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.

John 8:51 English Standard Version

Does this mean our obedience saves us? Do we have to add to Jesus’ works? Yesterday I listened to Voddie Baucham’s sermon on Romans 12:1. He had a wonderful illustration on this very point. First and foremost we know Jesus’ sacrifice is enough. Nothing can be added to it. Now, imagine this. A believer is a bit worked up that maybe something more is needed. What will he bring? Will he bring a sheep and insult the Most-High God and say, “Okay God, You have given Your infinite and precious, Beloved Son, but just in case He is not enough, I’m bringing this sheep”. Voddie Baucham usually has a lot of colourful colloquialisms and to that last statement he added, “As we say in the South ‘that dog won’t hunt’!”

Those who are in Jesus Christ are a new creation. We have been born again. Our very nature has changed. We desire to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Death is no longer a punishment—at the cross Jesus took the punishment of death in our place. Death for us is the physical ending of sin. When we die, and rise to new life in eternity, our body which was subject to sin and the consequences of sin, will be freed from the curse.

Why then do we keep the word of Jesus? Because His sacrifice is more than enough! In Jesus Christ we are now forgiven. Our obedience is a sign that we are part of the family of God. When we are delivered from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ by a new and living hope, we discover is it our desire is to live for God. Do we do so perfectly? No! We fail and flail in our newness. But we are nevertheless made new. We chase after the righteousness of God like a lion pursues its prey. It is our new nature to do so.

Today’s prayer is based on Psalm 104:24,31,35

O LORD our God, how rich and various and beautiful are Your works!

Mighty God, may Your glory endure forever and may Your people rejoice in Your works.

Bless the LORD, O my soul—Praise Him—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. One God forever more.

Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8PLn7FWUK0