Introduction
- Theme: is faith - but is it here?
- Yes: 4 reasons why it is here.
- 4 ways in which Christ is ours.
CHRIST IS OUR WISDOM
*"...made unto us wisdom". Definition.
- We are foolish in spiritual things before we come to faith in Christ: (i) we do not know our own hearts (ii) where this came from (iii) or why we die, etc.
Illustration: "Are we born good?"
APPLICATION: Does it HURT to be called a "sinner" - if so we have not really understood the gospel.
- Christ teaches us wisdom - we get His "mind"
- to know ourselves as God sees us.
- the Moral Law comes to life (Romans 7:7-13)
- conscience begins to do its duty.
APPLICATION: Why do people weep?
Answer: at what they see.
CHRIST IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
* "...righteousness". Definition.
- There are 2 forms of righteousness:
- the attribute of God - He demands perfection.
- the gift of God - which gives what He requires.
- Augustine's prayer: "Grant what Thou commandest".
- How Christ obtained this righteousness:
- He became our public representative
- He lived a vicarious life
- He died a vicarious death
- He gives Himself to be "The Lord our righteousness".
- Biblical illustrations ("seamless robe")
- Adam: his garments of skin
- Isaac: the substituted ram, etc.
APPLICATION: consider: "in Christ" (Noah's ark)
CHRIST IS OUR SANCTIFICATION
* "...sanctification". Definition.
- The difference between Justification and this:
ILLUSTRATION: a pardoned criminal - dressed.
- Sanctification is "being made pure" - not just a legal / forensic thing. How?
- grace reigns - sin has no dominion
- our will is inclined to holiness now
- we love God's law: see Psalm 119
- a new motive of love to Christ
- God, not self is at the centre
ILLUSTRATION: The discovery of Copernicus
APPLICATION: Have you undergone this Copernican revolution?
CHRIST IS OUR REDEMPTION
* "...and redemption". Definition.
- Sometimes in reference to conversion & grace; but here, I think, to our final state.
ILLUSTRATION: December 21st spring & summer!
- This full salvation is the state of glory:
- To be entirely & eventually perfect
- To be perfectly & eventually happy
- To be complete: redeemed soul and body
- To be in the presence of God
- In a word: unity/love/glory
APPLICATION: Whom have we thank for all this? Ourselves? No!
CONCLUSION
But God and Christ, as here:
"Of him are ye in Christ Jesus".
Our reaction? To "glory in the Lord".