Christ Alone

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified ” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

The Apostle Paul lived a “narrow” and “exclusive” life. His proclamation to preach Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, does not mean he simply proclaimed a salvation

message. Jesus Christ was his message. All of Jesus. Upon examination of Paul’s life we understand that he proclaimed the full counsel of Christ. Life was Christ.

The “law” which Paul was formerly committed to was now in his heart and mind by faith in Christ. No longer was appeasement made to God by “doing” or “keeping” the law. Paul was free! Sanctification, justification, and righteousness were his through Christ. Jesus was his power, grace, and sufficiency. Jesus was his guide, his conscience, and his holiness. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain ” (Philippians 1:21).

When you read the Bible, let me encourage you to see Jesus. It’s not that difficult; He is the Word incarnate. As you identify Christ in every exhortation, truth, and commandment, the scripture will be alive and real. You will decrease as a result of Christ increasing.

I suppose each of us need to have our own “Mount of Transfiguration” experience.

“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only ” (Matthew 17:1–8).

They saw no man except Jesus! What are you doing to bring completeness or satisfaction to your Christian life? What spiritual activity do you perform in order to please God? What teachings are you holding on to that keep you spinning in the rut of self-determination and self-will, resulting in self-glory? This ought to be our passion: Only Jesus! Only Jesus! Only Jesus!

Permalink      Print

Tags: Christ & Grace, Forrest Wychopen, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Lord

This entry was posted on Monday, February 16th, 2009 at 12:03 pm and is filed under Daily Encouragement. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.