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?
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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).
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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? |
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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.