0597. 584. “Now” of the Believer’s Blessing

584. “Now” of the Believer’s Blessing

It is a good thing to know our present blessings in Christ. Among the many which the spirit says are ours “now” are the following:

1. Relationship. “Now are we the children of God” (1Jn_3:2). The God-given right of children gives the children the right to all the Father possesses.

2. Reconciliation. “Now hath He reconciled” (Col_1:21). Christ did not die to reconcile God to us, for He never went away from us, but He died to reconcile us to God, and to kill in us all that was associated with a state of enmity.

3. Illumination. “Now are ye light in the Lord” (Eph_5:8). As to the past, we were in a condition of “darkness;” as to the present, we are light in the Lord; and as to the future, we are to “walk as children of the light.”

4. Emancipation. “Now being made free from sin” (Rom_6:22). Sin was our master, but when grace mastered us we were freed from the old servitude, that we might know the liberty of Christ’s bondage.

5. Nearness. “Now in Christ Jesus ye… are made nigh by the Blood of Christ” (Eph_2:13). We are nearer than angels, for in the Person of God’s Son we are as near as He. Being “made nigh,” let us keep near.

6. Union. “Now hath God set the members… in the body” (1Co_12:18). He hath set us in our place, and well placed in Christ. Let us keep our place by holding the Head and the members.

7. Abiding. “Now little children, abide in Him” (1Jn_2:28). There is only one way to abide in Him, and that is by obedience. Those who keep His commandments abide in Him, and He. also abides in them—1Jn_3:24.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH