“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.”
(Romans 8:3)
The law of God is holy, just, and good. And as such, we are unable and insufficient to fulfill its demands because it requires perfect obedience. But what we cannot accomplish because of our sinfulness, God accomplished by sending His own Son.
The incarnation of Christ displays both the wisdom and the grace of God. Christ came in the likeness of sinful flesh, assuming human nature without becoming sinful. He entered the condition that fallen humanity occupied, yet remained holy and undefiled. And in that same human nature, He dealt with sin once and for all. God’s wrath for sin was judged in full through the work and suffering of His Son.
Christ therefore came not only to remove the guilt of sin, but also to destroy its dominion. He does not justify while leaving sin to reign unchecked. He saves from condemnation and also breaks the ruling power of corruption. His work answers both the guilt and the power of sin.
This is why justification gives rise to a vigorous spiritual life.[1] Those who are justified by faith have peace with God. The sting of condemnation has been removed, and reconciliation becomes the foundation for joy and holy activity. The believer no longer serves God from the despairing effort to earn acceptance but from the confidence of one already received in Christ.
Sanctification likewise flows from union with Christ and the gift of His Spirit. The same Savior who gives righteousness also gives the Spirit, and the Spirit becomes the principle of every grace. Those who belong to Christ possess His Spirit, and through that Spirit they are strengthened for holy living.
Christ is therefore glorious not only as the sacrifice who satisfies God’s wrath for sin, but as the living storehouse of every grace needed for holiness. From His fullness believers receive grace upon grace. The whole life of justification and sanctification is centered upon the Son whom God sent to condemn sin in the flesh.
Contemplations:
- Adoring You for Doing What I Could Never Do. You accomplished what the law could not produce in me because of the weakness of my sinful flesh. I could not give the obedience it required or free myself from the corruption that ruled me. Yet You sent Your own Son, providing the answer I could never provide. I adore You because salvation did not begin with my strength, wisdom, or effort. It began with Your purpose and Your gift. You did for me what I was utterly unable to do for myself.
- Adoring You for Sending Your Own Son. You sent Your own Son in true human nature, without sin, to accomplish my redemption. Christ entered the condition of humanity without sharing its corruption. You condemned sin in the flesh through Him, displaying both Your justice and Your grace. I worship You because the remedy for my guilt and corruption came from Your own heart and through Your own Son.
- Adoring You for Giving Me Christ. You have not given Christ to me only for pardon while leaving me powerless before sin. You give Him also as my righteousness and sanctification. I adore You because His saving work is complete. He is Priest to answer my guilt and King to rule my life, removing condemnation and breaking the dominion of sin.
- Adoring You as the Source of All My Strength. Every grace I need I find in Christ. I have no strength for holiness apart from Him, yet in Him there is no deficiency. When I am weak, I come again to His fullness. When sin presses hard, I look to His power. When my love is cold, I remember His love for me. I adore You because every holy affection and every true act of obedience is the fruit of Your grace through Him.
Prayer (Adoration):
Holy and gracious God, I adore You for doing what I could never do. Your law is righteous, but my flesh was weak through sin. I could not fulfill its demands or free myself from corruption. Yet You sent Your own Son and accomplished salvation through Him.
I praise You for the wisdom of the incarnation. Christ came in true human nature, yet without sin. In His flesh You condemned sin and provided the answer to both guilt and corruption.
I adore You because You have given me all of Christ. He is not only my righteousness, but also my sanctification. He does not just remove condemnation; He also breaks the dominion of sin. He is Priest to save and King to rule.
I praise You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through Him You strengthen Your people, awaken holy affections, and produce obedience.
I adore You because Christ is the storehouse of every grace I need. From His fullness comes the power to overcome sin, the strength to obey, and the desire to seek the things above.
Let every thought of justification lead me to greater admiration of Christ, and let every work of sanctification remind me that all grace flows from Him. Receive my worship through the Son whom You sent to condemn sin in the flesh.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
Phil. 2:7; Heb. 10:1; John 1:14; Gal. 4:4
[1] Richard Sibbes, The Complete Works of Richard Sibbes, ed. Alexander Balloch Grosart, vol. 5 (Edinburgh; London; Dublin: James Nichol; James Nisbet and Co.; W. Robertson, 1863), 366-369.
