On Sunday, Pastor Chris delivered a very powerful message from God’s word about refuge. In Joshua chapter 20 we learned that the cities of refuge, established by God, demonstrates the grace of God. These cities also give us a picture of the safety and salvation we find “in Christ Jesus”.
The Bible is very clear in its declaration that individuals who are not “in Christ” are lost and under judgment. If you are not “in Christ Jesus” you have not escaped the condemnation and the wrath of God.
The apostle John wrote, “He who believes in Him is not judged” (John 3:18a). Paul wrote “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). John goes on to say, “he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (v. 18b). The individual who does not believe is already condemned and that condemnation of unbelievers begins now.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life” (John 5:24). “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36).
This assurance of “no condemnation” is the assurance found in the phrase “in Christ Jesus.” We were all condemned in the first Adam, but in the second Adam there is no condemnation to be found.
We as Christians do sin and fail to bring glory to God, and we do suffer the natural consequences of our sins. However, we do not suffer condemnation because Christ was condemned in our stead. He became the propitiation for our sin.
The legalist tries desperately to please God by obeying the law in his own strength, however this is futile. On the other hand, the Christian who is under the control of the Holy Spirit experiences the sanctifying work of the Spirit in his daily life.
By an act of dependence upon Jesus Christ the believer then realizes his position in Christ. “By nature I am in myself, and in sin and I am, therefore, condemned; but when the grace of God awakens me up to know my ruined state, then I fly to Christ. I trust alone in His blood and righteousness, and He becomes to me the cleft of the rock, whereas I hide myself from the storm of vengeance justly due to me for my many offences. The Lord Jesus is typified by the city of refuge,” writes C. H. Spurgeon.
Is your righteousness one that you have worked out yourself, or is the righteousness of Christ imputed to you? Do you look for salvation by self, or for salvation by Christ? “If you can truly say, ‘I hide in Christ,’ then this text warbles sweeter music than ever fell from angel’s lips. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Spurgeon continues, “Inasmuch as you have believed in Him, you are in Him.”
The promise holds true because the believer is “in Him who can never be condemned . . . If you are in Christ, there is for that very reason no condemnation to you.” (Spurgeon)
Christ fulfilled the law for us all, and since you believed on Him you are justified in Him. “By Christ’s righteous life and substitutionary death, justification has come to all who are in Him.” (DeWire)
“We are accepted in the beloved,” says the apostle Paul. “By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”
“Will the Lord condemn those whom He has made righteous?” Will He condemn those for whom He has covered with His own perfect righteousness?” (Spurgeon)
God has placed the believer in a living and vital union in Christ. We have been made one with Christ through a living relationship.
J.I. Packer said, “since we have died in Christ and rose with Him, how shall we be put to death again for the sin for which we have already died in Him? We who are in Christ are justified because Christ is justified by His rising from the dead, and by His taking the position of honor and glory at the right hand of God. He is our representative and we are one with Him, and what He is that we are. Our union is inseparable, and therefore our condemnation is impossible”.
Questions for thought:
- Are you in need of refuge today? Have you experienced the freedom of a personal relationship with the One who has taken your sin on Himself?
- Are you living within the walls of the city of refuge or are you burdened by past sins or your old life? Has life situations and circumstances worked to steal your joy and peace? If so, allow Christ to help you reconnect with His assurance and freedom.
- Will Harvest Pointe Fellowship stand out in this community as a “City of Refuge”? How will you participate to assure that this happens? Will you Go, Risk and Believe?
Deeper In God’s Word
Tom Renew
Resources:
Medford Foskey – Sermon “Christ Our Refuge”
Preceptaustin.com – Christ Our Rock and Refuge, Part ½
Will Pounds – The Spirit of Life
Bryan DeWire – Death through Adam, Life through Christ.