“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
(1 John 4:9-10)
Among all the mysteries of the Christian faith, one of the most staggering is this: when a sinner is saved, Christ takes up residence in that soul. To “receive Christ” truly means to welcome God Himself into the heart.
Christ is “God manifest in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16). As John declares, “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). And Paul further explains, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19). So to receive Christ is to receive the very presence of Almighty God.[1]
Because He is God, Christ carries all divine authority. Exodus 23:21 speaks of the Angel of the Lord, saying, “Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.” This is fulfilled in Christ, who bears the seal of heaven: “For him hath God the Father sealed” (John 6:27). He declared with sovereign right, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). In Him resides all the fullness of divine authority—the prerogative to forgive, to rule, and to save.
Christ embodies the infinite wisdom of God. “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). To those who believe, “Christ [is] the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). His words, therefore, are truth, infallible and life-giving.
Christ also embodies perfect righteousness. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). He is “the Lord our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:6). Through Him sinners stand justified before God, clothed in His merit.
As well, the love of God shines brightest in Christ. John writes, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him… he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9-10). Here mercy and justice meet, for Christ bore wrath to bestow grace.
Mercy flows abundantly from Him. Jude exhorts, “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 21). Apart from Christ there is no mercy; but in Him mercy is rich, free, and eternal.
Salvation is in no other. Acts 4:12 declares, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” So to receive Christ is to possess life, forgiveness, wisdom, righteousness, mercy, and the indwelling of God Himself.
What unspeakable privilege, that the Holy One should dwell within sinners who have been redeemed! To neglect this gift is folly beyond measure, but to embrace Him is to have the eternal God as one’s portion forever.
Contemplations:
- Christ, the embodiment of God’s presence. Christ is the bodily manifestation of God’s very presence among us. So to receive Christ means welcoming God Himself into my life, a realization that fills me with awe, gratitude, and humility to think that through Christ I have direct access to Almighty God.
- Authority and power in Christ. When I consider the authority and power vested in Christ, as described in Matthew 28:18, I am reminded of the trust God has placed in His Son. “… All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” This authority is intimately tied to my salvation. Christ, with all His divine authority, offers me redemption and eternal life. This reality calls me to live with greater faith in His promises, knowing He has the power to perform them to the letter.
- The wisdom of God in Christ. Christ embodies the wisdom of God, a truth that both amazes and comforts me. As Colossians 2:3 states, “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Knowing that Christ possesses all wisdom reassures me that He guides my steps with perfect knowledge and understanding, even when I cannot see the full picture.
- Experiencing the fullness of the Spirit in Christ. John 3:34 speaks of the fullness of the Spirit in Christ: “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.” In Christ, the Spirit is present in its entirety, without limit. This reminds me that in Christ I have access to the same Spirit that empowered His ministry, enabling me to live a life that reflects His grace and truth.
Prayer (adoration):
Most high and holy God, I bow in awe that You have revealed Yourself in Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. I adore You that in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. To receive Him is to welcome You Yourself into the depths of my soul. What a mystery, what a mercy, what a marvel—that the eternal God should dwell with man.
I worship You for the authority of Christ, sealed by the Father and endowed with all power in heaven and on earth. He speaks and creation obeys; He commands and sin is pardoned; He reigns and none can resist Him. I adore the sovereignty vested in Him, my Redeemer and King.
I praise You for the wisdom of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of knowledge. His counsel is perfect, His words are truth, His guidance unerring. I worship You that He is my light in darkness, my sure guide when paths are hidden, my teacher and my Lord.
I magnify You for the Spirit without measure in Christ. Grace was poured into His lips, gladness anointed His soul, and the Spirit rested upon Him in full. In Him I see the beauty of holiness and the power of divine life. I adore You that in Him the Spirit is given richly to Your people, sanctifying, comforting, and empowering them for Your service.
I glorify You for the righteousness of Christ, imputed to sinners who believe. He who knew no sin was made sin, that I might be made the righteousness of God in Him. I adore You that in Him I stand justified, accepted, and beloved.
Above all, I worship You for the love manifested in Christ. That You sent Your only begotten Son into the world, that I might live through Him—this is love beyond measure and mercy beyond telling.
O Lord, let Christ dwell richly in my heart. Let His authority rule my will, His wisdom direct my steps, His Spirit sanctify my soul, His righteousness cover my guilt, and His love constrain my life. Let me know the blessedness of Your residence within, and let my whole being be a temple for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for 1 John 4:9–10:
John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Romans 5:10; 1 John 2:2
[1] John Flavel, The Method of Grace, (London: M. White, for Francis Tyton .., 1681), 153.
