The following is a summary adaptation taken from "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace. Used by permission.
Lesson Eight
Our Provision Through Christ
Last week we reviewed the fact that, since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, all mankind are born sinners. We also discussed the fact that because our God is a just, holy, and righteous God He must punish sin. The high cost that was placed on sin is death--not only a physical death, but also a spiritual death that separates mankind from God forever.
But praise be to God we also learned that because of His undying love for us, God sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to pay the punishment for our sins. We no longer have to remain separated from God's presence, nor do we also have to set about striving in a regime of "good works" in hopes of attaining eternal life. When Jesus cried out on the cross, "It is finished!" that is exactly what He meant. He came to atone for the sin of His people and He did just that. All who believe in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins are totally forgiven-past, present and future-it is finished!
"The chastening of our well-being (the punishment we deserve) fell upon Him." (Isaiah 53:5 parenthetical comment added)
"And they brought them out, and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." (Acts 16:30,31)
"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved."
(Romans 10:9)
Please take a few minutes to meditate on these verses. What does Jesus mean to you? Hebrews 12:2 says, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..."
The word "looking" here means "to consider attentively." It would behoove us all to take a few minutes out everyday of our lives to just sit quietly and consider Jesus. Please notice also that this verse says that He is the author and finisher of our faith. He began it and finished it. We are complete in Jesus Christ.
In my childhood home Jesus was a common everyday word. We went to church faithfully, attended camp meetings, revivals, and Sunday School. I sang in choirs, participated in youth group activities and even went out evangelizing. But I did not know Jesus. I knew of Him, but I did not know Him in a personal, intimate way. This was because the denomination that I was in did not teach the correct way to consider Him. Yes, he was taught to be the God's Son who died on the cross. But I was told that He just "provided" a way and that all the rest was up to me. John 14:6 tells me that Jesus IS the way. There is a major difference. I cannot stress enough the importance of our considering Jesus Christ as who the Bible really teaches that He is! Please look to Him as the author and finisher of your faith.
Perhaps some of you dear ladies reading this today are just as I was. Maybe you have professed all the outward works of salvation but have never genuinely trusted Jesus Christ 100% for your salvation. I encourage each of you to prayerfully consider the condition of your soul. Salvation is not in a prayer, however, we are to go to God in humble contrition, ask Him to have mercy on our soul, confess our sins and ask His forgiveness. Then we must confess Jesus Christ as the Lord and Master of our lives. Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith!
Mrs. Peace states on page 22,
"If you have placed your faith (trust) in Jesus Christ and Him alone as your Lord and Savior, you are no longer under the wrath of God. All of your sins have been forgiven--past, present, and future. Not only are you cleansed of your sin, but you are also placed by God in a supernatural union with Christ. Next, God wants you to have assurance of your salvation."
"These things have I written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life." (I John 5:13)
"If you are a Christian, what a joy to know you have been forgiven by God for your sin! In addition to knowing you are forgiven of your sin, you need to know..."
How to Deal with the Consequences of Sins--Past and Present (Next Week)
In order to become an Excellent Wife it is imperative that we cover this material. So many books just give us a list of things to do. The ability to become a godly wife, however, is not in a list of good deeds. It is in a vital, thriving, real relationship with God the Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We cannot get down to the practicals of being a good helpmate until we have covered the essentials.
Taken from "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace, pp 21,22. Copyright 1999, Focus Publishing, Bemidji, Minnesota. Used with permission for the purposes of this devotional series only. May not be reproduced or forwarded without the express consent of the publisher.