Our Rescuer

“Jesus Christ gave Himself for our sins, that He might rescue us from this present evil world, according to the will of God our Father” (Galatians 1:4).

The gift of Christ is a gift of rescue. This same word “rescue” is used of Joseph being “plucked out” of prison; of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt; of Peter being rescued from prison; and of Paul rescued from an angry mob.  Each one of these examples referred to a bodily removal from danger.  The “Good News” of Jesus, which begins in the heart, is not complete until it ends with the rescue of our bodies.

Jesus came to rescue us from three things – the penalty of sin, the power of sin, and the presence of sin. Through “giving Himself for our sins,” Jesus rescued us from Hell.  He sent His Spirit of Righteousness to indwell all who believe, rescuing us from sin’s power. Now, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” And He will yet save us from the very presence of sin, by lifting us out of this world.

And the reason Christmas thrills us to the core is that we know our Savior and King is coming back to take us Home… “For our citizenship is in Heaven, from where also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 3:20).

May the anticipation of all the joys to come fill your hearts and homes this Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)