Truly The Greatest

The term "greatest" has been used to describe many things, but when used to describe the Bible, I personally feel that the description is complete. If ever a book defined the boundless love "God" has for his creation, the Bible does so. "For greater love hath no man" than did the Father for his children. The word "great" appears here also. Although this loving Father displayed his "all" for his children, that " all" was not given to him in return. Man committed high treason against God in the garden. With that one iniquity, "a yawning chasm between God and man was broken open."

Many works of art have captured the true struggle of man, but not one has done so like Michelangelo's classic work titled "Creation." Magnificently etched upon it is a symbol of suffering humanity, cut off from the Father's love and protection. As man struggles to "bridge the gap and experience the life-giving reality of God, he is unable to do so. Ever reaching toward God, the hands never touch; Why? because the distance is too great."

Over and over since the creation, man has tried to close the gap caused by sin with the sacrifices of animals and by good deeds. Yet, "the blood of every animal in this world could never erase man's guilt."

But thanks be to the Father who is ''omniscient" (all-knowing), a plan of redemption was already in motion. "Before the need ever existed, God had a remedy. His Son, slain before the foundation of the world would be the propitiation for man's sin. This man "Jesus" would return man to a place of fellowship with the Father thus ''repairing the breach" sin had created. "Neither by blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." Hebrews 9:12 (KJV)

What caused the separation? Where did man go wrong? Would a loving God create a world laden with sin and iniquity?

These are the questions that have been asked over and over. The answers are still hidden in the greatest book that has ever been written. Adam and Eve's options were limitless. Their instructions were clear. Listening to Satan, as many of us still do, they disobeyed. As a result, they received "the knowledge of every infirmity and wickedness in the world." If wickedness and sickness existed before the incident in the garden, Adam and Eve had no knowledge of it. God had them protected from any knowledge evil as long as they obeyed his commands. But because they did not obey, all forms of evil, sickness, and death became a reality. "The effects of sin are real, but so are forgiveness from sin." The scripture declares, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9 (KJV) Why is repentance and forgiveness from sin so important? Because of his love for man, God wants to separate us from the very things which will cause us harm if not completely destroy us.

What makes the Bible truly the greatest book? In the Bible are the promises, God's guarantee, His word regarding our salvation and redemption. In it, we can stake our life and future. John 8:51 declares, "Verily, verily I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he will "never" see death. That is, we will never experience the brutality of hell and eternal damnation.

My message of hope is that suffering humanity will soon realize the true authenticity of God's word. Satan can condemn us as long as he chooses, but when we plead our cases before God, Christ, who is our advocate, speaks on our behalf to the Father. What a great plan. Someone who is totally without blame interceding on our behalf.

"We've all sinned, and come short of God's glory." Romans 3:23 (KJV) We are guilty, but yet we are free, condemned to death, but yet we live, redeemed, but yet at fault. How can we be restored when we are at fault? It would be futile to attempt to cover up our sins with religious practices, good works, and self sacrifices. Only by crying out to a Loving God can we find hope. Only by God's grace can the story of our sin-scared lives be rewritten. Is this not truly the greatest encouragement you've received? I'd like to think so. For words of encouragement you may email me at TMT3_1957@msn.com.

Travestine Wright