By Scott Johnson
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. (1Jn 5:6 KJV-BRG)
The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. (Joh 19:31-35 KJV-BRG)
Grace and Mercy flowed as water and blood flowed from the Savior's side on that fateful day on Golgotha's hill. Remember, the law came thru Moses but grace and truth (and mercy) came thru Jesus Christ. In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. (Zec 13:1 KJV-BRG)
A living stream called grace will now well up unto eternal life for every believer. Thru grace, man will now receive what he could never achieve--fruits of the Spirit and the power of the Spirit will now occupy his dry and barren soul. Grace now gives man access to the water of Christ's life for everyone who drinks of the water Christ gives will never thirst again. Thru grace, God can now bestow unmerited favor on fallen man, man can now return to "Eden" and know eternal life is waiting: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (Joh 3:16 KJV-BRG) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Eph 2:8 KJV-BRG)
The sin will now be removed by mercy thru the blood of Christ for there can be no washing of sin with out the shedding of blood. In mercy, man does not receive what he actually achieves: The wages of sin is death and all have sinned. Thru mercy, man now has access to the blood that flowed at Christ's death. Christ Jesus, the Lamb, has become our propitiation for our dross. Man's expense has been redeemed by Christ's yoke: ".... but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Heb 9:24-28 KJV-BRG) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4:14-16 KJV-BRG) Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. (2Jn 1:3 KJV-BRG)
Scott and Jane Johnson minister with East Faulkner Church of Christ and BRG Bible. Bible questions can be sent to [email protected]