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Victory Through Christ, December 25
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he
also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he
might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and
deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject
to bondage.
Hebrews 2:14, 15
.
The fall of man filled all heaven with sorrow, and the heart of Jesus was
moved with infinite compassion for the lost world, the ruined race. He beheld
man plunged in sin and misery, and knew that he had not moral power to
overcome in his own behalf the power of his unsleeping enemy. In divine
love and pity He came to earth to fight our battles for us; for He alone could
conquer the adversary. He came to unite man with God, to impart divine
strength to the repenting soul, and from the manger to Calvary to pass over the
path which man would travel, at every step giving man a perfect example of
what he should do, presenting in His character what humanity might become
when united with divinity.
But many say that Jesus was not like us, that He was not as we are in the
world, that He was divine, and therefore we cannot overcome as He overcame.
But this is not true; “for verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he
took on him the seed of Abraham.... For in that he himself hath suffered being
tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (
Hebrews 2:16-18
).
Christ knows the sinner’s trials; He knows his temptations. He took upon
Himself our nature; He was tempted in all points like as we are. He has wept,
He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.
As a man He lived upon earth. As a man He ascended to heaven. As a
man He is the substitute of humanity. As a man He liveth to make intercession
for us. As a man He will come again with kingly power and glory to receive
those who love Him, and for whom He is now preparing a place. We should
rejoice and give thanks that God “hath appointed a day, in the which he
will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained”
(
Acts 17:31
).—
Bible Echo, November 1, 1892, par. 6
.
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