“WHAT the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Rom. 8:3, 4.
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Heb. 2:14.
These scriptures faithfully portray our loving Saviour’s perfect work in rescuing fallen humanity. And as His life is our only perfect example, it is well that we should often examine it as it is revealed before us. Jesus being baptized and praying, the heaven was opened and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, like a dove, upon Him, the same Holy Spirit which descends invisibly upon all His truly regenerate followers, and a voice came from heaven which said, “Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21, 22.
By His own sheep the same voice (by faith) is heard, saying, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1. Again, when Jesus entered on His ministry, He said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel.” Luke 4:18. Now if it was necessary for Jesus, who is our only perfect Example, to receive this inspiration of the Father before entering upon His sacred ministry, is it not a greater necessity for every follower who has been commissioned to do this same work in His stead? 1 Cor. 5:20.
Not only do we find this essential, but our loving Saviour assures us that all power is given Him in heaven and on earth, and that we shall be sustained by this power even to the end of the world. Matt. 28:18–20.
The one condition of obtaining spiritual wisdom is perfect obedience. Here it is, precept and promise, “If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.” John 7:17, R.V. The loving Saviour has meted out to us the same degree of power and love as was bestowed upon Himself by the Father. And in consideration of this, He looks to us, His representatives, to follow His example, and glorify Him in our lives, as He glorified the Father. He says, “As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you; continue ye in My love.” Then He shows us how this is made possible: “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love.” Then the manner in which they are to be kept is also made plain: “Even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” John 15:9, 10.
Here is the divine object lesson. And by this perfect love manifested by obedience, there is brought about an inseparable union between God the Father, His beloved Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, and His trusting children. Hear the Saviour’s own description: “If a man love Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love Him, and We will come unto Him, and make Our abode with Him.” John 14:23.
I heard a person once say, “We can not continue in this union, because our adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.” True, we can not of ourselves. But we hear that the apostle Paul was buffeted by the messenger of Satan, and when he besought the Lord, the answer came, “My grace is sufficient for you.” 2 Cor. 12:7–9. And we hear again, through the same apostle, that the union is inseparable, unless the separation is voluntarily sanctioned by the recipient of grace. Rom. 8:37–39.
Jesus comforted His disciples just before His ascension with these words: “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2, 3. Every faithful follower of Jesus will be acting his part in preparing souls for these “eternal mansions of glory,” and this is the question He is asking us to-day: “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over His household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing.” Matt. 24:45, 46.