Finished Work

On the cross the work was finished,—the Father’s work which the Son loved to perform. There is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. The death of Jesus perfects for ever all his own. The truth and the power of God are pledged here. An omnipotent sovereignty shields the disciples of Jesus. “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” After the manner of a king, the Saviour of sinners speaks. He knows his own power, and we may safely trust it. A half-hesitating faith dishonours the Lord, and mars the happiness of his servant. What pains he took that his work should be complete, and that its completeness might be manifest! There is sovereign power in this shed blood! “The blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son cleanseth us from all sin”—“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is Christ that died”—“I saw in the midst of the throne a Lamb as it had been slain.” Righteous Abel,—that blood of the Sacrifice washed his sin away, and made him just with God. The sprinkled blood on the door-posts kept the Hebrew households safe from the angel of death on the eve of the exodus in Egypt. Let that blood be on my conscience, and I shall be safe from the second death. Christ crucified has all power in heaven and in earth. Count him a King. Treat him as a King. Confide in the royal power of his sacrifice,—he shields all his own from condemnation. “The sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow:” as the flowers and fruit spring from the living root that spreads darkly under ground, so the blossom of hope here and the fruit of eternal life hereafter, for all Christ’s members, spring from the suffering of Christ in his people’s stead. William Arnot.

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