Justification

Finding Significance by Relating with God through the Lord’s Passover

TRUTH AND PURPOSE

Bondage comes in many forms. Some things keep us in constraint by restraining our freedom externally. The most subtle forms of bondage, however, are the things that bind and blind us internally; like bad attitudes, unforgiveness, pride and lust for things. The Bible calls these things sin. We try to justify or redeem ourselves—stand in self-righteousness—but that doesn't work with a holy God who created us. God used the story of the deliverance from the bondage the children of Israel experienced in Egypt to reveal the greatness of His love and serve as a visual aid of His greater plan of redemption.

Passover was originally inaugurated to mark and remember Israel’s deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. God heard the cries of the people, and determined that it was time to do a creative, redemptive act. In reality, He revealed a new way of bringing people into relationship with Him. Anybody seeking redemption, restoration and a relationship with God can benefit from understanding the greater significance of what Passover represents!

And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. Therefore say to the children of Israel: 'I am the LORD; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.   (Exodus 6:5-7 NKJV)

A lamb without blemish was sacrificed, and its blood was washed over the doorposts of the home, marking the house “off limits” for the angel of death that struck the first-born of Egypt. 

RELEVANCE

In a similar fashion, the LORD led a sinless life, and was crucified the same day the Passover was celebrated.  He served as our permanent substitute for the lamb, justifying our standing before God and redeeming our life from the bondage of iniquity—our sinful tendencies.

The LORD revealed truth and gave meaning to this sacrifice—His sacrifice. He became the way, the truth and the life! In Him, you have new life! Regardless of your past, God sees you as a new creature. He has accepted you, loves you, values you and wants to give you a new sense of self-worth and purpose. He wants to do a new thing in you! Accepting and receiving the fullness of the LORD’s love and justification for your righteousness, and gaining enlightenment of a new standing and personal relationship with God opens the way to discovering the fullness of your significance in life.

REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE

The LORD taught us to pray, “May your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10 JNT) 

In what areas do you need to see God’s redemption, or deliverance from a particular type of bondage?

This could be anything; an addiction, bad habit, besetting sin, form of oppression, state of mind, bad situation, etc. Take your case to God in prayer.  Let God’s Holy Spirit lead you in His Word. Let it work in your heart.  Receive the saving and sanctifying grace of the LORD’s deliverance in faith.  Continue to talk to God about the issue.

As He helps you through, He will bring you to a level of peace and understanding.  The LORD is your deliverer!  The Holy Spirit is your teacher and source of real empowerment and life of liberty.

One final note: as it relates to eternal life, are you sure that you would be justified before God as righteous, and be eternally at peace with God in heaven?

I encourage you to read John 3:16-21 and Romans 10:6-10.  Then read and meditate on John 14-16; and receive the prayer the LORD prayed for you in John 17.

REFERENCES

Psalm 18; Exodus 12; Leviticus 23:1-5; Matthew 26:17-25;

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Unless otherwise specified, all Scripture references are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scriptures marked JNT taken from the Jewish New Testament. Copyright © 1979 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. Scriptures marked NLT are taken from New Living Translation Holy Bible, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.