Honey From The Rock

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Honey From The Rock
Psalm 81:16

"Sweet Stuff From God's Word"

A daily Bible study with Victor Knowles
Copyright 2007

WHERE ALL DISTINCTIONS VANISH

This entry was posted on 08-29-2008 and is filed under uncategorized.

Is there a place where all distinctions vanish? We are in a political season where each party claims they have a "big tent" and all are welcome there. But we know that this is not true - especially if you are a Christian of strong conviction. But our text today will tell us exactly where we can see all distinctions vanish.

"[In this new creation all distinctions vanish]; there is no room for and there can be neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, [nor difference between nations whether alien] barbarians or Scythians [who are the most savage of all], nor slave nor free man; but Christ is all and in all - everything and everywhere, to all men, without distinction of person" (Col. 3:11, The Amplified New Testament).

Paul has introduced to the concept that in Christ we have become a new creation, one that reflects the very image of God (vs. 9, 10). Only in this new creation do all distinctions and differences vanish. God does not favor one nation above another, one race above another, one language above another, one position above another. "In this new life one's nationality or race or education or social position is unimportant. Such things mean nothing" (TLB).
I like how The Message summarizes it: "From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ." This arresting truth shattered the norm in the first century. It still is. We'll get into more of this amazing verse next week.

Hymn: "In Christ now meet both East and West; In Him meet South and North. All Christly souls are one in Him throughout the whole wide earth" (John Oxenham).

Prayer: