Grace & Truth Chapel
131 Fardale Avenue ~ Mahwah, New Jersey
Phone 201-327-6226 ~ E-mail gtchapel@juno.com

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"God's Perfect Christmas Gift" (posted December 1, 2008)

  When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
   - Galatians 4:4-5

What is the fullness of the time here spoken of? Is it not that time when man, having been fully proved under every trial to which he could be subjected, was found to be utterly worthless and without power? He had been tried in innocence; without law; under law; under priest, prophet, king; under government; under promise; and last of all, under fulfillment of promise in the person of the Messiah sent unto His people. Then, and not till then, scripture concluded all under sin.

But then came out what God had done. What was it? [Had He] fulfilled His promises? Ah, more! infinitely more! When this fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son. Think of that! His Son! We need to lay hold of the dignity of the Person of Him who accomplished the work. The Son of God! If this is laid hold of, we shall never be surprised at the results of this work to every one who accepts it.

“Born of a woman,” by whom sin came (Genesis 3:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:14), so that the efficacy of His work might be as far-reaching as sinful "man that is born of a woman" (Job 14:1). “Born under the law,” that transgressors under it might be redeemed. And thus, both might receive the adoption of sons. Wide as the world is the aspect of the efficacy of His precious work! Firm as a rock are its results for all who believe it!

People argue that because all died in Adam, so all are to share in the results of Christ’s work. They speak of the solidarity of the race: that as all fell together in Adam, so all must be raised together in Christ. But this is human reasoning and ignores responsibility and faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ. The word of God settles this as all other difficulties. It is not the raising of the old race, but the forming of a new race; albeit those who compose it are those who, being originally of the fallen race, have abandoned it, and by faith have appropriated each one for himself the work of Christ.

G. J. Stewart



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