We do not esteem one
day above another. We do not observe sabbath days with the legalists. And we do
not observe holy days with the papists. But at this season of the year almost
all people give some thought to the undeniable historic fact that two thousand
years ago God visited this earth in the Person of Jesus Christ. And I am
delighted that at least once a year all men are compelled by the providence of
God to remember that fact.
WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? Is he a man? Yes, but
more than a man. Is he a prophet? Yes, but more than a prophet. Jesus Christ is
God in human flesh. He is the Lord of glory incarnate. He is God over all,
blessed forever. WHY DID THE LORD JESUS CHRIST COME INTO THIS WORLD? He
did not come to establish global peace, put an end to political wars, and stop
the spread of hunger, disease, and poverty in the world. He came to save his
people from their sins, thereby making peace between God and men. WHAT DID
CHRIST DO WHILE HE WAS ON THE EARTH? Our Lord Jesus, the Son of God, lived
as a man in perfect obedience to his Father, establishing perfect righteousness
for his elect as Representative. Then he voluntarily laid down his life as a
sin-atoning sacrifice at Calvary. Dying as the sinner's Substitute,
"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law." After three
days in the tomb, our Savior was raised in power and great glory. WHERE IS
JESUS CHRIST NOW? Forty days after his resurrection, the Son of God
ascended back into heaven and took his seat upon the throne of glory. WHAT
IS HE DOING THERE? He is making intercession for transgressors. He is
ruling over all things with sovereign power to give eternal life to all his
people. He is saving to the uttermost them that come to God by him. He is, like
the Good Shepherd, seeking and saving his sheep. WHEN WILL CHRIST COME
AGAIN? No man knows the day nor the hour, but of this you can be sure: When
the purpose of God has been accomplished and all God's elect have been called,
Christ will come again, not in humiliation, but in power and great glory.
Don Fortner