THE OLD, OLD STORY- W. F. BELL

Someone has well said that "what is new in theology is not true, and what is true is not new." In this article we declare nothing new; in fact, we simply declare to all the old and sweet story of how God loved sinners and gave Himself for sinners in the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ,

The story of Christ actually begins before time, in the great eternity past. While there is much mystery surrounding this, still we have the plain statements of God's infallible Book: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). We know this refers to the Lord of glory Himself, as verses 3 and 4 clearly show. Then this "Word" became "flesh" and tabernacled among men (John 1:14). So Christ was the eternal Son of the Father (John 1:18), and had been "foreordained before the foundation of the world" (1 Peter 1:20) to be the Lamb of God, the Sacrifice for His people. It was the purpose of God from all eternity to save a people, through the substitutionary work of His Son (John 17:24; Acts 2:23; 4:28; Ephesians 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 1:9). Thus, the story of love has its source in the great heart of God, in His will, and in His purpose for His chosen people.

The Lord of life and glory in time stooped to come to Bethlehem, as had been prophesied (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6). This lowly birth of the Son of God in human form is one of the most blessed, yet mysterious, events of all history. Yes, God was actually born! Here Christ proves how man-like He is! Not even Adam had such a birth, but the last Adam was cradled in a manger. Look, sinner, and behold the King of heaven hanging upon a woman's breast! See how the infinite God has become an infant! The invisible God has become the incarnate Saviour. The holy child Jesus has linked man with God, thus causing all fear to vanish in the heart of man, for now man can take all his griefs to the God-Man, Christ Jesus the Lord (Luke 2:10,11).

Our story continues in the active obedience of our Lord's holy and spotless life. The Lord Jesus was truly "holy, harmless, and undefiled" (Hebrews 7:26) and never sinned even once in thought, word or in deed (1 Peter 2:22). Christ magnified and honored God's holy law in every detail (Isaiah 42:21; John 8:46), thus working out for His people a righteousness that sinners could never attain. Christ was "the Righteous One" (Jeremiah 23:5, 6) by nature, but He also obtained righteousness for us in His sinless life. Then, in His passive obedience, He took the sins of His people upon Himself, and died as the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18). Christ is both our Substitute and Sacrifice, both our Surety and Saviour (Hebrews 7:22).

The God-Man was buried in a borrowed tomb. The disciples of the Master were filled with doubt and fear. But, the King of glory arose from the dead! Death had no power over Him, but He over it (John 10:17,18). The news quickly spread over much of the known world: Jesus is risen! Glory to our Risen Head, for now all the members of His body live in Him!

Where is the Lord Jesus now? He ascended back to His Father, having been accepted in the royal courts of heaven. He wow "ever lives" to intercede for His own (Hebrews 9:24). He made one sacrifice for sins forever, and is now seated at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12).

Some day the Lord of lords and King of kings will come again. The world awaits His coming. The church longs for His coming. He is faithful that promised; He is coming (Revelation 22:7). Surely, all believers also say, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).

Men must know who the Lord Jesus is and what He has done in order for them to be saved. We have briefly told you this story. Now the Holy Spirit must show you that you are one for whom Christ came and died. No man can save you, except the Man Christ Jesus. He alone is the Mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5). Come, sinner, to Him and Him alone, for He is your Hope and Help, your Deliverer and Defender, your Priest and Prince, your Sovereign and Saviour. In repentance and faith, bow before the Lordship of Christ, or one day you certainly will bow before Him as your Judge (Philippians 2:9-ll).