Dial Daily Bread

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread":

All during this week, around the world millions of Christians are
focusing attention on the biblical idea of “justification.” What
the Bible teaches is clear as sunlight, but “the little horn” of
Daniel’s prophecies has sought to confuse this truth. It had been God’s
intention that “the faith of Jesus” should lighten the earth with
glory. But the great “falling away” (apostasy) that Paul predicted
in 2 Thessalonians 2 (based on Daniel!) was the work of “the man of sin”

(vss. 3-7). He has stirred up debate and confusion about
“justification.” These have darkened this glorious truth for many
sincere people. (Maybe you, too!).

The New English Bible aptly defines that big word “justification”
as simply God’s “verdict of acquittal” (Rom. 5:16, NEB). Our enemy,
Satan, condemns us in God’s law court; he himself is shut out of heaven, and
charges that we should be, too. But God steps in and vindicates,
“acquits” us, as though we had never sinned. Now He can send His
rain and sunshine on all alike as though we were innocent. He gives “all
men” this “free gift . . . unto justification of life” (vs. 18,
KJV; Matt. 5:45). But how can the Father pronounce this “acquittal” that
Satan hates? Is it fair? Muslims say, “No!” But what’s the Bible
answer?

The Son of God has become “the second Adam,” the new corporate Head
of our human race, has taken all our guilt in upon Himself (“the Lord
hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all,” Isa. 53:6), accepted our
condemnation, died our second death both “for us” and “as us,”
and thus has “acquitted” us. We are “justified by His blood,” says Paul
(Rom. 5:9), which was shed at the cross of Jesus. Six times Paul says the
“acquittal” is a “gift” given to “all men.” “Many” reject the “gift,”
throw it away, “sell the birthright.” But if you clasp it to your
heart, cherish it, keep it, appreciate it, that is, “believe”--you
cannot be lost.

Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.