Ed Walsh
Puritan Board Senior
Greetings,
What is the most powerful force in existence that is second only to the unlimited and uncreated power of God the Thrice Holy One and his revelation to man, the Bible? God's mighty angelic host? Is it Satan? Is it, man? Man, who alone is created in the image of God? Man, of whom Psalm 8:5 [KJV] says was made a little lower than the 'angles,' or, heavenly beings as translated in the ESV. The actual word is 'elohiym,' which is translated angels only in this one place in the Bible; but translated as God 2,346 times. Alternatively, is it none of the above?
I think the correct answer is SIN.
Sin has so corrupted fallen man, made in God's image, that his heart is now deceitful above all things and desperately wicked and its depths unfathomable. (Jeremiah 17:9). Not only that but we, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, struggle in bondage all our life sin's power.
Not even the New Creation planted in our hearts by God can completely overcome sin's power, which dwells in what Paul calls this wretched body of death. (Romans 7:24) The Apostle describes it as a LAW that like the law of gravity is always active. However, unlike gravity, Paul found that this law is variable but to somewhat predictable—"I find then a law, (νόμος) that, when I would do good, evil is present with me." (Romans 7:21)
Even the furthest reaches of the whole created universe itself is in an endless cycle of bondage to decay, and along with us groans, earnestly desiring deliverance from this bondage as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. (Romans 8:19-24)
It has taken me many years and very dark times to come to what I'm sure is only a partial realization of this terrible power. As I said in a recent post, I could almost wish that other Christians would not find this out. But, wonder of wonders, where sin abounded grace did much more abound. (Romans 5:20) Oh the love of God that spared not his only son but delivered Him up for us all. So Jesus, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. (Hebrew 12:2) We should never think of God as some cosmic philanthropist who decided to help us in our great need. Rather, God's love is the same toward us as toward His son Jesus,' whose love for us is deep and everlasting—far beyond what we might expect. Although Jesus' love for the Church is many-faceted, it includes a romantic love that earnestly, and eagerly awaits the day when we will be enabled fully to love Him in return with the same passion with which He cherishes us and will forever be delighted with His spotless, perfect, suitable, bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh, bride.
Preface
Some may disagree, and I want to hear thoughts.
This ides was a meditation from my morning devotions about a week ago.
I disclaim any authoritative intentions in presenting my thoughts,
and will gladly stand corrected if shown to be wrong.
This ides was a meditation from my morning devotions about a week ago.
I disclaim any authoritative intentions in presenting my thoughts,
and will gladly stand corrected if shown to be wrong.
Questions
What is the most powerful force in existence that is second only to the unlimited and uncreated power of God the Thrice Holy One and his revelation to man, the Bible? God's mighty angelic host? Is it Satan? Is it, man? Man, who alone is created in the image of God? Man, of whom Psalm 8:5 [KJV] says was made a little lower than the 'angles,' or, heavenly beings as translated in the ESV. The actual word is 'elohiym,' which is translated angels only in this one place in the Bible; but translated as God 2,346 times. Alternatively, is it none of the above?
I think the correct answer is SIN.
Sin has so corrupted fallen man, made in God's image, that his heart is now deceitful above all things and desperately wicked and its depths unfathomable. (Jeremiah 17:9). Not only that but we, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, struggle in bondage all our life sin's power.
Not even the New Creation planted in our hearts by God can completely overcome sin's power, which dwells in what Paul calls this wretched body of death. (Romans 7:24) The Apostle describes it as a LAW that like the law of gravity is always active. However, unlike gravity, Paul found that this law is variable but to somewhat predictable—"I find then a law, (νόμος) that, when I would do good, evil is present with me." (Romans 7:21)
Even the furthest reaches of the whole created universe itself is in an endless cycle of bondage to decay, and along with us groans, earnestly desiring deliverance from this bondage as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. (Romans 8:19-24)
It has taken me many years and very dark times to come to what I'm sure is only a partial realization of this terrible power. As I said in a recent post, I could almost wish that other Christians would not find this out. But, wonder of wonders, where sin abounded grace did much more abound. (Romans 5:20) Oh the love of God that spared not his only son but delivered Him up for us all. So Jesus, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. (Hebrew 12:2) We should never think of God as some cosmic philanthropist who decided to help us in our great need. Rather, God's love is the same toward us as toward His son Jesus,' whose love for us is deep and everlasting—far beyond what we might expect. Although Jesus' love for the Church is many-faceted, it includes a romantic love that earnestly, and eagerly awaits the day when we will be enabled fully to love Him in return with the same passion with which He cherishes us and will forever be delighted with His spotless, perfect, suitable, bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh, bride.
Ephesians 5:31-32
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
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