The second benediction of the day, taken from 1 Thessalonians. In this we clearly see the the gift of holiness, being declared righteous before the Throne of God is in fact a gift given to us by the very One who sits upon the Throne. We must see that redemption not as something merited, but graciously given, even as we are in Christ Jesus declared righteous by His shed blood applied to us. Having been washed, laying hold of Christ by faith, true saving faith, God goes to work in working in us the fruits that accompany salvation. One of those fruits being the blessed love of God shed abroad in our hearts for one another. The love of brothers and sisters in the faith, springs forth then not from human effort, but is itself a benediction, a blessing, a gift from God that builds the body. Holiness leads to love, holy love, love that makes the Church something wholly other than every other institution, body, membership from every other. |
