October 9^th

A SPIRITUAL VIEW OF REDEMPTION

ISAIAH 53: 4-5 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

     The above verses make the fact that the Redemptive Work of Christ has exacted a powerful deliverance for His people very clear.  Although these truths are forever settled in the heavens, many believers live as though there has been no work of deliverance at all or that such a deliverance is future.  The Scriptures are true, and in the Cross of Christ, this prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled.  Let us examine these verses again over the next few days and soberly listen to the Spirit of Truth as He reveals the power of Jesus’ death on the Cross. 

      First, it is a surety that He hath borne our griefs.  It is powerfully interesting that "born" is translated forgive sixteen times.  In Psalm 103, David commands his soul to bless the Lord.  In his blessing, David immediately proclaims that the Lord is He "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities..."  His desire to bless the Lord climaxes in an invitation to the Lord’s angels, ministers, hosts, and works to do the same.  When one is certain that he is forgiven, the baggage of shame and guilt is forever cast off.   Praise and blessing then flow freely from the heart and lips versus vain repetitions for what has already been bestowed through Christ our Lord. 

     Griefs refer to sickness and disease.  In Psalm 103:3 when David stated that the Lord forgiveth all thine iniquites, he immediately followed with "Who healeth all thy diseases."  All iniquities forgiven and all diseases healed!  Great news!  The reader is encouraged to take a few minutes to read Psalm 103 now and begin to bless the Lord with all that is within!  

(Underline added by author for emphasis).

Continued