All Of Humanity Is A Statement Of Christ!

Abraham Kuyper once stated, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of human existence over which Christ, who is Lord over all, does not exclaim, ‘Mine”!”  When we look at the list of the works of the flesh from yesterday’s sermon in light of this statement, we understand better why there are God’s laws and why those who operate through the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

Colossians 1:15-18 remind us of the position and sovereignty of the Lord, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” 

Our lives were created not for our personal, single minded passions and desires, but that our passions and desires would be towards those things that are in obedience and to the glory of the One who created and gave us life.  Right there in the middle of that passage (verse 16) we are reminded that “All things were created through Him and for Him.”  Our sinfulness and rebellion cause a severed relationship with our Creator and instead of pleasing HIm and living at peace with others, we strive for our wants without regard for the resulting relational consequences.  

Kuyper also stated, “Every square inch of creation needs to be redeemed”.  Romans 8:20-22 tells us, “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”  This creation will be renewed and sin eradicated just as it will be in the existence of the child of God when Jesus Christ returns (Revelation 20:7-15).  

Sanctification is the minute by minute process of walking in the Spirit so that the works of the flesh fall by the wayside in our life, no longer wanted.  Their allure and temptation become echoes of the past, for we are living in the “new life” of Christ.  We no longer use the works of the flesh to  achieve our desires, for our desires are now towards Christ instead of ourselves. 

Every square inch of your mind and heart (and mine, too) is the Lord’s. 2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1 says Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”  

This journey isn’t a sprint, more a marathon until the end of our earthly life.  Sometimes a stumbling gait, other times the easy stride of a long distance runner; but always a more forward towards the goal of being more like Jesus Christ and less like our former selves.  And while long distance running is usually seen as a solo sport, this isn’t the case with the children of God. 

As you run, help the stumbling, those who have sat down out of desperation, call to those who have veered off the course, and encourage those moving along next to you.  Paul tells us in I Corinthians 9:24-27, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 

I am looking for you in the race – you look for me – and let’s run together!