The Demand of Divine Love
By Raven
IMAGE: The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo
John 5:22 says;
For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.
When God ministered this scripture I wondered, how does this scripture have to do with love? Then, John 3:16 opened up.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only beloved son that whoever believes in him shall not die but have eternal life.
The level of the love of God has for man is so much that God’s judgment had to be on Christ Jesus. Among the different words translated as “judgment” in the Bible, the one translated as “judge” in John 5:22 means “to condemn”. Now we can say God, the Father condemned no man but committed and placed the condemnation upon His Son — Christ — as a manifestation of His love.
Why would you God do that, you might ask?
Firstly, because we were created in His image. This truth is common knowledge in the Christian faith.
Another reason is because of the election of grace that grew out of the divine decision that Christ might fill all things and have preeminence over all. As it is written in Colossians 1:16–19;
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.
The Sovereign God deservingly takes headship and superiority; and surpasses all things because in Him and by Him do all things consist.
In this article, the focus is the manifestation of God’s love from a divine perspective. The administration of God’s salvation rides on the wings of love- in turn — we mean sacrifice, for sacrifice is the ultimate expression of love.
The manifestation of this love explains our indebtedness to God. Hence, Apostle Paul said in the book of Galatians 2:20;
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me …”
The consequence of this is such that we are no longer ours but Christ’s who made the ultimate sacrifice for us (2 Corinthians 5:15). Rarely does a man give his life for his friends, maybe that can happen but to give up one’s life for enemies is almost impossible. However, with God, that again, is possible. (Romans 5:7–9, Luke 1:37). Hence, while we were yet sinners he died for us (Romans 5:8).
Many people believe that the love of God is a license to be licentious; an approval to be salacious or to remain sinful, since God will always forgive us. I say this boldly, that the older generations who remained in sin received a just recompense of judgment for their willful disobedience and deviant disloyalty against God. How much more would we receive similar recompense if we crucify the Lord of glory again by our persistent sinful acts and licentiousness? How does a believer understand the love and grace of our Lord Jesus yet trample upon it by arguing for a life of iniquity than to be joined with the Kadosh-lifestyle of the Lord of Hosts?
Moreover, that the manifestation of His love might be found in us He sent out the rod of His strength out of Zion (The Holy Spirit), that we might rule amongst our enemies; the enemies of God including sin and demonic spirits. One important way to manifest this love is obedience to the leading of His Spirit. For as many that are led by the Spirit of God are the Sons of God (Romans 8:14).
In conclusion, how then can we love God?
Jeremiah 17:10 says,
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Our heart posture must be that of constant yearning and desire for God, not necessarily for His gifts but majorly for who He is. Although we know an expression of His fatherhood towards us is through His gifts.
The ability to love a Spirit is dependent on the resources supplied by that Spirit.
Romans 5:5;
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
The Lord himself sheds His love in our hearts so that we can long for His presence and His words. As this love grows in our hearts, we become sacrificial to God and His cause/kingdom on earth.
Jesus Christ is the ultimate man, whom we should pattern our lives after. God came down to give us a manual on how to live and climax this pattern by shedding His love in our hearts. Our yearning towards living the full manifestation of Christ Jesus is dependent on our revelation of Him.
Remain blessed.
