Our texts that we are looking at this morning remind us of the divine purpose of Christ coming into the world. First of all John tells us that Jesus “was manifested to take away our sins” (1 John 3:5) This is one of the great mysteries of Scripture (1 Timothy 3:16). The Incarnation (John 1:1,14; Matthew 1:21) reveals the inability of mankind to redeem ourselves, but it also reveals the kindness, mercy, and love of God towards us (Titus 3:4-6; Romans 5:6-10). How we need to meditate upon this truth until it sinks into the depth of our souls! The cross of Jesus Christ, believed and received, will strike a death blow to human pride and self-righteousness, for the eternal purpose of God (Ephesians 3:11) magnifies the grace of God (2 Timothy 1:9).
Not only was Jesus manifested to take away our sin (John 1:29), but He was also manifested to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8b). What a glorious Savior Jesus is! He has paid the debt of our sin and defeated the devil in the process (Colossians 2:13-14). Faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4).
Divine forgiveness and divine empowerment belong to each and every child of God. This is what the sacred record of Scripture declares. Complete pardon (Ephesians 4:32) and divine unction (Acts 1:8a; 1 John 2:27) are ours, beloved.
Thus, when we drink the cup and eat the bread of communion, let us not do it hastily or mechanically, but with reverence of heart and holy recognition of what Jesus has done for us. “It is finished!” (John 19:30) means just that! Our sins are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7), and the very power of God to overcome the wiles of the enemy dwells within us (Romans 8:11; Ephesians 1:19).
“Rejoice in The Lord always, and again I say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
