THE WAY -- Monday:
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6)
The immediate focus of this time is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the appointed "Way" to the Father. In fact, those who "receive" Christ are thus in the process of "coming to the Father" (John 14:6). The Word of God is clear on this matter. Jesus was "put to the death in the flesh, but quickened in the Spirit, that He might bring us to God" (1 Pet. 3:18). "Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2) is the core of Gospel preaching. When it comes to accomplishments, the works of Jesus are the subject of proclamation.
The penchant of current religious leaders for drawing attention to their peers, both historical and contemporary, is completely unacceptable. In these "last days," God has spoken to us exclusively "by His Son" (Heb. 1:1-2). The Father made clear that His Spokesman is His Son. In solemn tones He said, "Hear ye Him!" (Matt. 17:5).
Jesus is to be proclaimed as the "Son OF GOD," the "Lamb OF GOD," and the "Christ the power OF GOD" (1 John 4:15; John 1:29; 1 Cor. 1:24). No man can come to God except through Him. No individual can have their sins remitted apart from the application of His blood. There is no acceptance without His intercession. There will be no consummation without His return. The "way" is not in an organization. It is not in a pattern, and it is not found in precision! The "Way" is a Person, and only those in Him are on the way to God! All others are on the way of destruction.
THE PROVISION. What is the dominating benefit possessed in Christ? Is it power to live peaceably with fellow mortals? Perhaps it is adequate financial provision, or sound health. A thriving religious institution is thought by many to be the greatest blessing. But is this really the case? Do these things represent "the way" to the Father?
The Word of God leaves no doubt on this matter. The ultimate benefit is the remission of sin and the imputation of righteousness. The highest privilege is that of an heir of God and joint heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17). Forgiveness accompanies our induction into the kingdom, preparing us for "an inheritance, incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for" us (1 Pet. 1:3-4). Nothing must be permitted to obscure these benefits! In Christ "we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7). This is why we have been "made accepted in the Beloved" (Eph. 1:6).
During our sojourn in this world, we are afforded the priceless privilege of access to God. "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Rom. 5:2). "For through Him we both (Jew and Gentile) have access by one Spirit unto the Father" (Eph. 2:18). "In Whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him" (Eph. 3:12). The affirmation could not possibly be stronger! Do not miss the blessing. We possess benefits while in this world, but the foundational benefits themselves are in the world to come. Real treasures are laid up "in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal" (Matt. 6:20).
In our emphasis, if we hold out to people primary benefits that are in and of this world, we have greatly erred. We have made it more difficult for people to be blessed by God, and harder for them to enter into heaven.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, send messengers to the churches that will faithfully deliver Your truth, and the emphasis of it.