ANOTHER IMPORTANT VERSE: “But the scripture consigned all things to sin, that what was promised to faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe” (Gal. 3:22). “The scripture consigned all things to sin”—consigned all things to sin—an amazing statement. Does it mean that a new standard of goodness—the life and character of Jesus—has come into the world? He is Goodness. Everything that departs from His life and character is un-goodness, or evil, or sin. Everything outside Christ is sin. Does this mean that all that non-Christians do and are is sin? No, for non-Christians can and often do show His life and character without naming Him, and many Christians can and do depart from His character and life while naming Him. The division is not there; it is in the nature of the act itself, whether performed by a Christian or a non-Christian. If the act is un-Christlike, it is sin. There is no other sin, for there is no other Goodness. Every thought, every act, every attitude that is un-Christlike, by whomsoever performed, is sin.
We pass from a state of sin to a state of goodness by faith, but not by bare faith—a faith in faith—rather by faith in Jesus Christ. In that act of faith you commit yourself to the object of your faith, to Jesus Christ, not only as an object of belief, but as an object of Lordship. He possesses you; He is Lord—Lord of you and all you have.
Result? Then “what was promised to faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” We inherit everything He has and is! Faith is answering yes to His offer of His everything. Faith takes with both hands—the hands of surrender and receptivity, both of them empty enough to take His fullness. That which is promised is limitless, so the taking is limitless—and forever. There is no bottom and no end!
O Divine Fullness, I stand before Thee empty but eager—eager to take what is promised in Thee. It is all mine, for I am all Thine. It is my all for Thy all—blessed exchange. I gratefully receive. Amen.
AFFIRMATION FOR THE DAY: Faith is humility, open and receptive and willing to depend on the dependable.
