by Felix W. Tarbet
In disregarding the one prohibition given them by Jehovah our first parents brought a deluge of sins into the world and the penalty of separation from God, (death), upon the human race. Man fell from a paradise and a state of sinlessness into an unhappy world and a continual state of conflict with God.
Need For An Intercessor
In the misery of this conflict and separation Job cried: "For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgement. Neither is there any daysman, (umpire, intercessor, mediator), betwixt us that may lay his hand upon us both." (Job 9:32,33). Isaiah lamented the sins of men and pointed out that the Lord saw the need of an intercessor to reconcile man to Himself. (Isaiah 59:12-16).Redeemer Promised
Then a Deliverer was promised, "And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 59:20). He was to bear our griefs and carry our sorrows, be wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our inequities. The iniquity of all of us was to be laid upon Him. God was to be satisfied with His sacrifice and many would be justified. (Isaiah 53).Humanity And Divinity Of Jesus
At the proper time God sent His Son into the world. He was both God and man. He is called "the Son of God" and "the son of man." He know the joy and bliss of heaven and the misery and woe of earth. He was as divine as if He were not human and as human as if He were not divine. He could "lay his hand upon us both" as Job expressed it. During His life upon the earth He proved His divinity by working miracles, forgiving sins and demonstration of superhuman love. He proved His humanity by learning, hungering, thirsting, eating, drinking, growing in stature, being tempted and in calling on God for assistance.He was crucified by people that He came to help. He died in shame and made His grave with the wicked but He was raised from death in glory to divide the spoil with the strong.
Salvation Is By Grace
God gave us something in Jesus that we did not and do not deserve. "The wages of sin is death." We had done nothing to merit the coming of Jesus nor the teachings which He has given to us through the Spirit. "By grace are ye saved." (Ephesians 2:8). The grace of God brings salvation. (Titus 2:11). Grace even teaches us. (Same verse). Since this is true no man deserves the right to even hear the gospel. Eternal life is a gift. (Romans 6:23).Response Of Men
A gift must be accepted. Jesus must be received. If something is given to one against his will it is not a gift but an imposition. Jesus stands at the door and knocks. (Revelations 3:20). He seeks entrance into every man's heart although no man deserves His presence. But Jesus does not force His way in. He does not knock the door down. We must hear His voice and "open the door." We must respond if we are to enjoy the grace of reconciliation to God and a place of favour in His eyes."There is a stranger at the door... Let Him in."
