10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV):
“Love for real people leads into fellowship of human guilt.”
“A love that left people alone in their guilt would not have real people as its object. So, in vicarious responsibility for people and in his love for real human beings, Jesus becomes the one burdened by guilt – indeed, the one upon whom all human guilt ultimately falls and the one who does not turn it away but bears it humbly and in eternal love.”
“Out of selfless love for human beings, Jesus leaves his state as the one without sin and enters into the guilt of human beings. He takes it upon himself.”
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich, and Jana Riess. God Is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas. Westminster John Knox Press, 2012.
Abba,
This is the mystery of mystery! This is the wonder of wonders! This is the astonishing majesty of grace! That You would do this. That You would enter into the fellowship of our guilt so that we could enter the fellowship of Your righteous holiness. You entered into our shame so that we could enter into Your glory! You entered into our brokenness so that could know the wonder of Your wholeness. You entered into our world so that we could enter Yours and know You.
What a picture though…You, entering into fellowship with our guilt. You did not know it experientially, Jesus. But You knew it as You bore it for us. You knew it, as paid its debt, Your Father’s demands upon the cross. Yes, though You never have and never will know guilt and shame by Your own commission, You entered into fellowship with us by willing taking our sin and guilt upon Yourself so that we would not have to.
This is the wonder, the joy, and the marvel of Christmas. Let not the glamor of lights and gifts, family and friends, food and entertainment EVER distract from the real glory of Christmas.
We love you!
Amen!
A Singular Passion 