The Author and Finisher of Our Faith
As we approach the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread, we generally develop a somewhat reflective mood. The Passover is a memorial. We are remembering something that has taken place in the past. Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection are historic occurrences. Our reflection should help to bring the reasons why Christ had to die into a present context.
Christ had to die because of sin.
Since sin is the transgression of the law, our introspection needs to review our lives in the context of God’s law. The Apostle Paul stated that the law has jurisdiction over our lives as long as we live. The law controls our lives on this earth (Romans 7:1). So we need to look closely at how we are living day by day.
We can identify with Paul as he describes human life with God’s law. The spiritual law drives the inner workings of the mind. Intellectually we are thankful for the understanding of what the law represents – we delight in the law of God according to the inner man (Romans 7:22).
However, the desire to embrace the law by our minds meets an obstacle in the form of the natural mind. The mind is hostile to the inner man turning to God’s law. Hence a mighty battle of the mind takes place. A battle to join the inner man to God, or to human nature.
The pivotal question is, who will deliver us from the power of human nature which leads to death if not overcome?
The answer is Jesus Christ.
We must be aware of the power of sin in our flesh and come to the realization that of ourselves we are powerless to conquer it.
The bottom line is this: only through the power of God’s Holy Spirit can a human live in compliance with God’s law. That Spirit is gifted to us as we repent of sins committed and as we allow the law of God to define sin for us. Sin is more deeply embedded in us than we mostly recognize.
Lawlessness is abounding in our societies because Satan is a master of deception. Most people sin in ignorance because they don’t relate to the law of God. Even for us, there are many aspects of God’s law which may not appear obvious. Pride would be a good example. Love of self transgresses God’s law of love. But is not necessarily covered by a clear, “thou shalt not.”
Let’s be sure to dig deep as we remember, reflect and examine to discern the sin that so easily besets us “… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith …” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Brian Orchard
