ESOCS Devotional 24 January 2023
TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 3: 1-14
MEMORY VERSE: “But all those things that I might count as profit I now reckon as loss for Christ’s sake.” Philippians 3:7 GNB
The Old Testament version of holiness was by claim of self-righteousness, through strict obedience to the Law. But the response of Christ to the rich, young ruler of Mark 10:17-22 sets us thinking differently in the present dispensation. Moreover, and in contrast to the Law-based religion of the Jews that emphasized ceremonial worship after the outward performance of man, Christians now worship from the inner spirit.
As believers, Christians need to be continually reminded that they are in the Lord, and thus, should ever remain thankful and joyful (2 Peter 1:12-15). There is a need to continue to study the works of Christ in order to continually have occasion to be joyful. In verse 9 of our text, Saint Paul stresses that the Christian is the one who is in Christ. It follows therefore that we only become intimately identified with Christ when we believe. This is to say then, that we are crucified with Him, and now sit with Him at the right hand of God. Through baptism, we are circumcised with Christ. And this surpasses the effect of the Old Testament covenant of physical circumcision (Genesis 17:12).
In the New Covenant, our entire salvation takes place in Christ through faith. By the cross and the resurrection, Christ has ushered us into the reality of His Messianic Mission on earth. Believers are then chosen in Christ; justified in Him, blessed in Him and sanctified in Him. Moreover, our faith is the instrument for union with Christ. It follows therefore that, as members of Christ, our present manner of life should now be in Christ.
When we die, we die in Christ; and on the resurrection day, we will be made alive in Him (1 Thess. 4:14-17). We shall also reign with Him unto everlasting life. Christ is actually the all in all for all true believers. It is very important to remain steadfast, so as to fully enjoy this free salvation unto eternal glory.
- Salvation is not fetched by physical performance, but by the work of the Holy Spirit through Christ Jesus. Do you still think otherwise?
- Lord Jesus, though I tend to believe, please help my unbelief.
FURTHER READING: Isaiah 56:1-8; Ezekiel 3:22-27; Galatians 1:11-23.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
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ESOCS Devotional 24 January 2023
