The following was taken directly from “Word of Encouragement” by Charles R. Biggs. You may click here to read the entire article.
“Since it is the Advent season and the time we remember the significance and importance of Jesus’ birth, I will send out what I like to refer to as the ‘JUSTIFICATION of Christmas’. Using the letters from the word ‘Christmas’, we can reflect and be reminded of Christ’s birth, but also his accomplished work that he merited on our behalf. We rejoice that the “LORD has come” at Christmas, but we should also rejoice and be reminded of what the “LORD has done” for those who love him! The first letter of the word ‘Christmas’ is C…
C: CHOSEN IN CHRIST- Ephesians 1:11-14 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession– to the praise of his glory.
H- HE IS OUR HOLINESS- I Corinthians 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God– that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
R-RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST IMPUTED- Romans 4:5-8 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him’
I-INCARNATION- Hebrews 2:14-18 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death– that is, the devil– and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
S: Sola Fide- “Faith Alone” Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith– and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
T- “THEOLOGICAL ARTICLE UPON WHICH THE CHURCH OR INDIVIDUAL STANDS OR FALLS”- MARTIN LUTHERGalatians 1:6-12 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed….For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
M- MESSIAH-THE LAMB OF GOD John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
A- ACCOMPLISHMENT OF CHRIST IN ETERNITY AND THE APPLICATION OF HIS WORK BY THE SPIRIT Ephesians 1:4 …even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love… Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
S- SIMUL IUSTUS ET PECCATOR- “JUSTIFIED, AND AT THE SAME TIME SINFUL” Eternal life is Christ dwelling in His righteousness in the soul of the justified person. So eternal life can be easily understood as union with Jesus Christ. And the word for that union with him is faith. The sinner comes to him, rests in him, trusts in him, is one with him, abides with him; and this is life because it never ends. The united soul abides in the Vine eternally. Weakness, sin, proneness to sin never brings separation, but only the Father’s pruning, which cements the union even and ever tighter (John 15:1-8).”
Mr. Biggs goes into greater detail on each of the “letters” of Christmas. My husband found this site through links, and we do not necessarily agree with all of his teachings or writings, but we found this to be a very thought provoking article. I hope you enjoy it!
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