August 10

Morning

Christ, who is our life. — Col 3:4

Paul’s marvelously rich expression indicates, that Christ is the source of our life. “You has He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” That same voice which brought Lazarus out of the tomb—raised us to newness of life.

He is now the substance of our spiritual life. It is by His life—that we live. He is in us, the hope of glory, the spring of our actions, the central thought which moves every other thought.

Christ is the sustenance of our life. What can the Christian feed upon but Jesus’ flesh and blood? “This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.” O way-worn pilgrims in this wilderness of sin—you never get a morsel to satisfy the hunger of your spirits, except you find it in Him!

Christ is the solace of our life. All our true joys come from Him; and in times of trouble, His presence is our consolation. There is nothing worth living for but Him; and His loving-kindness is better than life!

Christ is the object of our life. As the ship speeds towards the port—so hastens the believer towards the haven of his Savior’s bosom. As flies the arrow to its goal—so flies the Christian towards the perfecting of his fellowship with Christ Jesus. As the soldier fights for his captain, and is crowned in his captain’s victory—so the believer contends for Christ, and gets his triumph out of the triumphs of his Master. “For him to live is Christ.”

Christ is the exemplar of our life. Where there is the same life within, there will, there must be, to a great extent, the same developments without; and if we live in near fellowship with the Lord Jesus—we shall grow like Him. We shall set Him before us as our Divine copy, and we shall seek to tread in His footsteps, until He shall become the crown of our life in glory. Oh! how safe, how honored, how happy is the Christian, since Christ is our life!

Evening

The Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins. — Matt 9:6

Behold one of the great Physician’s mightiest arts—He has power to forgive sin! While here He lived below, before the ransom had been paid, before the blood had been literally sprinkled on the mercy-seat, He had power to forgive sin. Has He not power to do it now that He has died? What power must dwell in Him who to the utmost farthing has faithfully discharged the debts of all His people! He has boundless power, now that He has finished transgression and made an end of sin.

If you doubt it, see Him rising from the dead! behold Him in ascending splendor raised to the right hand of God! Hear Him pleading before the eternal Father, pointing to His wounds, urging the merit of His sacred passion! What power to forgive is here! “He has ascended on high, and received gifts for men.” “He is exalted on high to give repentance and remission of sins.” The most crimson sins—are removed by the crimson of His blood!

At this moment, dear reader, whatever your sinfulness, Christ has power to pardon, power to pardon you, and millions such as you are. A word will speak it. He has nothing more to do to win your pardon; all the atoning work is done. He can, in answer to your tears, forgive your sins today, and make you know it. He can breathe into your soul at this very moment—a peace with God which passes all understanding, which shall spring from perfect remission of your manifold iniquities.

Do you believe that? I trust you believe it. May you experience now, the power of Jesus to forgive sin! Waste no time in applying to the Physician of souls but hasten to Him now!