God is the ultimate problem solver.
Though He can usually solve a problem in a number of different ways, the problem of sin has only one satisfactory solution. For Him to be both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26), He had to provide the perfect Lamb to be sacrificed on our behalf.
Taken captive by Satan in the Garden, humanity has had to live under the horrific reign and bondage of the evil one. Death, sorrow, tears, and pain now shackle human existence. Then, once Satan has tired of such abuse of his slaves, he compensates them with death (Romans 6:23). How such oppression and sorrow has grieved God’s tender and compassionate heart.
To solve humanity’s problem of sin, God was methodical and persistent. Noah saved the human race from oblivion. Abraham was called and tested. Moses was raised up to bring deliverance. The Law was given. The prophets heralded their Master’s message. Eventually, the fullness of time came and God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law (Galatians 4:4).
God’s Lamb came. He was thoroughly scrutinized from cradle to grave, and neither the Jews nor the Gentiles could find a single blemish in Him. Being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, the Lamb was taken by lawless hands and brutally sacrificed by crucifixion (Acts 2:23). The One who knew no sin was made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). On the third day, God raised Him up; in His possession were the keys to Death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). Seven weeks to the day after His resurrection and ten days after His ascension and coronation in heaven, the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the apostles signaled the glorious truth: Salvation has been brought down; “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).
When we are buried with Christ through baptism into death, we are raised to walk in newness of life. When we have been united together in the likeness of His death, we certainly shall also be united together with Him in the likeness of His resurrection. Our old man was crucified with Him so that the body of sin can be done away with. We are NO LONGER slaves of sin (Romans 6:4-6).
What amazing wisdom, grace, and patience God exercised in bringing humanity to the greatest possible “no longer”.
Slaves of sin NO LONGER.
