18th May 2024

18th May 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (1 John 2v2)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


In my last devotion we discussed the word "propitiation" stating that Jesus is the sacrifice that turns away the wrath of God. Christ knew the full weight and fury of God's wrath and because He faced it, we never will. What we didn't discuss is John's phrase that Christ was the propitiation for the sins of the whole world (v2).


Does this mean that Christ's death has paid the price for the sins of every person who has ever walked this earth? Well no. I don't know anyone who believes that Hell is empty and equally, Scripture teaches that there will be a multitude who will know punishment for their sin (Matthew 25v46). If this is true and we certainly believe it is, then Christ cannot have paid the price for everyone's sin. It would be unjust for God to punish someone whose sins have already been covered by the blood of Christ.


What John means here by "world" can be easily explained. The Gospel came first to the Jew and then to the Gentile (Romans 1v16). John and his fellow Apostles lived and died to take the message of Jesus throughout the known world. So much so, that one day we will see the glory of the redeemed people of God. They will have received Christ by faith and be from every nation, all tribes, all peoples and all languages (Revelation 7v9). The Gospel has come to the world and every people group on earth will be represented before Christ in heaven.


Brothers and sisters, understand that you have a place in the worldwide church of Christ. We may be divided by location and language but we are united by faith. Jew and Gentile alike are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens and members of the household of God (Ephesians 2v19).


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q42 What is the sum of the ten commandments? The sum of the ten commandments is, to love the Lord our God, with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbor as ourselves.