Monday: The Just and the Justifier
Daily Lesson for Monday 10th of March 2025
At every turn, Christ’s work undoes the work of the devil. And, according to 1 John 3:8, Jesus “was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8, NRSV) and to “destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14, NRSV). Yet, the total defeat of the enemy’s rulership takes place in two stages. First, through the work of the Cross, Christ disproves Satan’s slanderous allegations. And, later, Satan and his kingdom will be destroyed.
Read Romans 3:23-26 and Romans 5:8. What do these passages reveal about the way Christ defeats the allegations of the devil?
Image © Pacific Press, Goodsalt.com
As we have seen, the enemy claims that God is not fully righteous and loving. However, in Christ, God provides the ultimate manifestation of God’s righteousness and love, and He did so through the Cross.
After the death of Jesus, “Satan saw that his disguise was torn away. His administration was laid open before the unfallen angels and before the heavenly universe. He had revealed himself as a murderer. By shedding the blood of the Son of God, he had uprooted himself from the sympathies of the heavenly beings.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 761.
Read Revelation 12:10-12 in light of Genesis 3:15. How does this passage shed light on the cosmic significance of Christ’s victory at the cross?
The history of redemption provides abundant evidence for us to be confident that God always works to bring about in the end what is good for all concerned. The God of Scripture always does what is good and preferable, given the avenues available to Him in the great controversy (Deuteronomy 32:4, 1 Samuel 3:18, Psalms 145:17, Daniel 4:37, Habakkuk 1:13, Revelation 15:3, Genesis 18:25).
|
Why is the demonstration of God’s righteousness and love in the cosmic conflict so important? When you reflect on the Cross and all of God’s works in the plan of redemption, how do God’s works give you confidence in the love of God, even amid trials and sufferings? |
(16)
I was once invovled in a bit of a fracas on Facebook. I was out in the bush trying to photograph a bird that is difficult to find when a professional child-photographer came in with her client and proceeded to trample all over the area where these birds nest. I asked her to stop as it was a nature reserve and she was putting the birds at risk. She ripped into me and accused me of bullying her and her client. I walked away. Then she put a strident post up on the local community Facebook page about what a bully I was. My first inclination was to defend myself, but fortunately, I had done a research paper on Facebook conversations and how they work. I have seen large organisations get into trouble very quickly by mounting a Social Media defence for their actions. So, I kept my mouth shut and said nothing. People who know me know what I am like.
God is active in a cosmic Facebook where his actions are interpreted by someone who misrepresents him as evil. And in typical Facebook fashion, he has many who are prepared to join the chorus with "Me too" comments giving examples of their perceptoin of God's evil intentions. God's response to this accusation is to put himself on the line by showing love in action.
God does not need lawyers to argue his case. He needs representatives who understand the importance of loving action.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) theology emphasises salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. We believe that salvation is not a one point event, but a process which includes Justification, Sanctification and finally Glorification. What do these three big terminologies refer to or mean?
1. Justification (Romans 3:28, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16, 2 Corinthians 5:21) – This is an act of being declared righteous (just) in the eyes of God by simply having faith in Jesus Christ. This is an instant act which occurs once one has believed (accepted) in Jesus Christ. This act of be declared righteous (just) is God’s favour (grace). It is not based on any human good works. This act of being declared just, is dynamic and leads to a transformation (a changed life) - Sanctification.
2. Sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, John 17:17, Hebrews 12:14, Philippians 2:12-13) - This is a life-long process of progressively becoming like Christ (Philippians 1:6, 2 Corinthians 3:18). Where Justification ends, Sanctification begins. This is the work of the Holy Spirit transforming our characters in a progressive manner to have the mind of Jesus (Philippians 2:5-11). Through faith the righteousness of Christ is imputed in us and hence empowering us to overcome sin and to obey God’s laws. This is spiritual growth which comes about through an active partnership with the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:12-13, 2 Corinthians 7:1).
3. Glorification (Philippians 3:20-21, Romans 8:30, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 2 Corinthians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, John 17:22-24, Revelation 21:3-4) – The ultimate meaning of salvation is living with our God in a new heaven and on a new earth where sin will never molest and torture us again. It brings tears of joy in my eyes when I remember the promise of eternal life where evil will never rise again. I am looking forward to the receiving of the sinless body. I am absolutely tired being in this body of sin (“Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?” - Romans 7:24, NLT). Having fought a good fight of faith, we believers eagerly wait to be translated into sinless and glorious bodies like Jesus (Philippians 3:20-21). We have got blessed hope beyond the grave (1 Corinthians 15:190.
An illustration:
Justification is like being rescued from a burning house and taken to hospital for treatment. And Sanctification is being in the hospital receiving treatment and recovery. Glorification is like having fully recovered and being of great good health. Jesus in the one who is spearheading the rescue, recovery and restoration mission. Thanks, you Jesus for rescuing me when I was helpless of save my life.
The cosmic conflict will end with victory on God’s side. Jesus has already acquired the victory for us. Let us hang on a little longer, all will be finished.
"Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, 'It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.'" – Revelation 12: 10-11, NLT.
Indeed, Jesus suffered more than anyone. He only did what was good to us, and what did He receive back? Yet He died for loving us too much. Thanks to His works we can be justified before God.
"Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth" is often attributed to Joseph Goebbels, a Nazi propagandist. This strategy or idea didn't originate with Goebbels. This is Satan's strategy from the very beginning.
He went about telling lies in heaven, then lied to trick Eve. He has perpetuated his lies to humanity ever since. This strategy is often still used today in the media and politics.
It seems that much of the world has Stockholm syndrome, in that they have sympathy for their captor, Satan. At the cross the charade of Satan was unmasked. He was revealed before the unfallen angels as the liar and loser that he was and is. Any question of who was right was answered, and angels that were sitting on the fence saw with their own eyes, and heard with their own ears, the truth that Jesus is the Truth, the Life, and the Way.
Maybe that is why Jesus said, “And, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto Me” John 12:32. Jesus knew that there would be no greater demonstration of the power of love over the love of power than at Calvary.
This is why we should follow the admonition of Ellen White regarding reviewing Christ's life.;
"It would be well to spend a thoughtful hour each day reviewing the life of Christ from the manger to Calvary. We should take it point by point and let the imagination vividly grasp each scene, especially the closing ones of His earthly life. By thus contemplating His teachings and sufferings, and the infinite sacrifice made by Him for the redemption of the race, we may strengthen our faith, quicken our love, and become more deeply imbued with the spirit which sustained our Saviour. If we would be saved at last we must all learn the lesson of penitence and faith at the foot of the cross.... Everything noble and generous in man will respond to the contemplation of Christ upon the cross. Testimonies for the Church 4:374.
https://whiteestate.org/devotional/mar/03_10/
This is probably the most effective way to be cured of our 'Stockholm Syndrome'. Looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. It takes time, and denial of self, but it's time well invested. Time spent with Jesus is never wasted. Do we miss our time with him as much as he misses our time with us? Tears well in my eyes as I contemplate the fact that I lost my father twenty years ago, and more when I contemplate the lyrics of this classic song by Larnelle Harris, and how my Father God, my Abba, misses spending time with me, with us.
"I Miss My Time With You"
There He was just waiting,
In our old familiar place
An empty spot beside Him,
Where once I used to wait
To be filled with strength and wisdom
For the battles of the day
I would have passed Him by again
If I didn't hear Him say
(chorus)
I miss my time with you
Those moments together
I need to be with you each day
And it hurts Me when you say
You're too busy,
Busy trying to serve Me
But how can you serve Me
When your spirits empty
There's a longing in My heart
Wanting more than just a part of you
It's true, I miss My time with you
What will I have to offer
How can I truly care
My efforts have no meaning
When Your presence isn't there
But You'll provide the power
If I take time to pray
I'll stay right here beside You
And You'll never have to say.
(chorus)
Written by: LARNELLE HARRIS, PHILL MCHUGH
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The following links goes to a music video with Larnelle Harris singing the song.
https://youtu.be/4gLmq-DnI7I?si=Hnm8uqcCifB_F9Bt
First, I propose adding a third stage for consideration — Jesus’ life as a man marks the beginning of the enemy’s defeat. Now, we can appropriate God’s redemptive work for ourselves because it manifested in a person like us.
Ellen G. White makes an important point: “He (Satan) had revealed himself as a murderer.” For all the world to see, by promoting his own way of life — his false light — lucifer ultimately lead those who followed him to accuse Jesus Christ of treason to condemn Him to death. Ironically, in doing so, he judged himself, for he was the true traitor and will suffer the consequences of his choice.
In contrast, God’s Way, demonstrated by His Son as His Light and Truth, are centered to promote love, righteousness, and doing good for others, promoting life and leading to everlasting life.
The death of Jesus on the cross can only be justified and understood in the context of His resurrection — the ultimate victory of Life over death. To those judging by outward appearances, it may seem incomprehensible that a loving God holding all powers would allow His own Son to suffer and die the death on a cross.
I hold that before one can grasp the meaning of Jesus' sacrifice, one must first understand why He chose the Way He lived. To me, the most important starting point for anyone seeking to comprehend God’s Ways is to look at how His Son lived, not the way He died. His Life reveals the power of the Love of God for mankind. Only then can one begin to accedpt the choice/motive for the Father to withhold His help - as a Justifier He promotes Life for the just, not death.
Brigitte, could this also be why Romans 5:10 says we are saved by His life as well as his death?
Yes, William - I am glad you provided a Scripture reference which highlights the importance of His Life as the 'Way of God' for us to live by. Faithfully walking God's 'Way of Life and Light' assures that He will know us and call us by our name to invite us into His Kingdom - Isaiha 43:1; Matt.7:21-23.
Seventh-day Adventists understand the cross within the context of the Great Controversy, which is the ongoing cosmic conflict between Christ and Satan over the character of God, His law, and His government.
In this view, the cross is central because it demonstrates God’s love, justice, and mercy, settling questions about His character that arose in heaven when Lucifer (Satan) first rebelled. Lucifer accused God of being unfair and His law being unjust. Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, God showed that He is both just and loving, offering forgiveness for sin without abolishing His law.
Here are key points that explain the cross within the Great Controversy framework:
1. Vindication of God's Character: The cross refutes Satan’s accusations by showing the extent of God’s love and justice. Jesus willingly took upon Himself the punishment for sin, which reveals God’s commitment to both mercy and justice.
2. Defeat of Satan: Through His death, Christ defeated Satan’s power. The cross is the pivotal moment where Christ triumphed over sin, death, and Satan’s lies, ensuring that evil would ultimately be eradicated.
3. Reconciliation of Humanity: The cross provides a way for humans to be reconciled with God. Jesus’ sacrifice offers atonement for sin, allowing those who accept Him to be forgiven and restored into a relationship with God.
4. God's Law and Grace: The cross upholds the integrity of God’s law. Christ’s death shows that the law cannot be changed, but it also reveals that God’s grace is sufficient for sinners who cannot meet its demands on their own.
In short, the cross is the ultimate revelation of God's character and His solution to the sin problem, answering the accusations of Satan and ensuring victory in the Great Controversy.
Satan criticized God's Law but he did not come up with a better law. God's Law is perfect.