Where We Find Deliverance from Sin

[Daily Devotional]

Where We Find Deliverance from Sin 

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us
into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his
blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Col. 1: 13, 14. 

The Prince of heaven has placed man in an exalted position. His life has
been valued at the cost of Calvary's cross. . . . From the depths of sin's
degradation, we may be exalted to become heirs with Christ, the sons of God,
and kings and priests unto the Most High. . . . 

When Christ bowed on the banks of Jordan, after His baptism, the heavens,
were opened, and the Spirit descended in the form of a dove, like burnished
gold, and encircled Him with its glory; and the voice of God from the
highest heaven was heard, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased" (Matt. 3: 17). The prayer of Christ in man's behalf opened the
gates of heaven, and the Father had responded, accepting the petition for
the fallen race. Jesus prayed as our substitute and surety, and now the
human family may find access to the Father through the merits of His well-
beloved Son. . . . Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14: 6).
The gate of heaven has been left ajar, and the radiance from the throne of
God shines into the hearts of those who love Him. 

The word that was spoken to Jesus at the Jordan. . . . embraces humanity.
God spoke to Jesus as our representative. With all our sins and weaknesses,
we are not cast aside as worthless. . . . The glory that rested upon Christ
is a pledge of the love of God for us. It tells us of the power of prayer--
how the human voice may reach the ear of God, and our petition find
acceptance in the courts of heaven. By sin, earth was cut off from heaven,
and alienated from its communion; but Jesus has connected it again with the
sphere of glory. His love has encircled man, and reached the highest heaven.
The light which fell from the open portals upon the head of our Saviour will
fall upon us as we pray for help to resist temptation. The voice which spoke
to Jesus says to every believing soul, This is My beloved child, in whom I
am well pleased. . . . Our Redeemer has opened the way so that the most
sinful, the most needy, . . . may find access to the Father. All may have a
home in the mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 82