Deeper Life #207

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

—John 17:17

THE WORK OF OUR LORD Jesus Christ in the world is twofold. First, it is a work accomplished in our behalf, a reconciliation with God (Romans 5:6, 8; Hebrews 2:17). Second, it is a work accomplished in us, our entire sanctification (John 14:12, 17).

The first establishes a right relationship between God and us. The second is the fruit of that relationship (James 2:17–20; 1 John 5:1–5). The first work introduces the condemned sinner into a state of grace (Ephesians 1:7). By the second work, the pardoned sinner is associated with the life and purposes of God (Galatians 2:20).

The first work is the means by which the latter is obtained; the second work is the Lord’s aim for our lives. The object of Christ’s work is to make us holy (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Jesus Christ baptizes us with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11); this is His pronouncement that His work is finished. He did this for the world at Pentecost (Acts 1:8; 2:1–4); and this He does personally for every man, woman, and child who enters by faith into His finished work (Acts 15:8–11).

Prayer Thought: Perfect Your work of grace in our hearts and lives, O Lord, according to the will of God.

SUGGESTED READING: John 17:1–17