Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. 1Chronicles 16: 23-25 ESV
 
     From the beginning of time when man sinned, there was a need for a Savior. God, in his love, mercy, and grace, made a plan to restore us unto himself. When reading 1 Chronicles, it may seem difficult to understand the importance of going through the genealogy of every generation of God’s chosen people. We must remember; God is a God of order and promise. When the angel appeared to Mary and foretold the birth of Christ, it is important to remember, that from the line and throne of King David, Jesus would come. (Luke 1:32) The Bible teaches many will come, saying, “They are the Christ.” (Luke 21:8) Because God made a clear road map in the genealogies of His people, we can know for sure. Also through the history and failures of those who are listed in this genealogy, we see there was no one who was perfect enough to fulfill all that was needed to restore man to God. It is also encouraging to see how God uses us, in spite of our imperfections, to accomplish His perfect will. The perfect will of restoring us to relationship and worship of Him alone is needed. How is this restoration applied?
 
THE PERFECT SACRIFICE FOR SIN:
     When John the Baptist was baptizing and preaching by the Jordan, Jesus came to be baptized. When John saw him coming, this is what he said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 ESV  The Lamb of God was God in the flesh, in order to be the perfect sacrifice needed to redeem/restore us unto himself. You were ransomed …… not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19 ESV  This was necessary, for we know that there is no forgiveness of sin without the shedding of blood. This also shows the seriousness of sin and death, for the only antidote for sin is blood. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22 ESV  Jesus paid the price for our sins with his own blood on the cross.
 
CONFESSION AND BELIEVING:
     If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believes your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:9-10 ESV  There are many who think all they must do is live right and do good to experience restoration, but this would imply that they did not need a Savior as provided by God. It was asked by some religious individuals in the Bible, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them,“This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” John 6: 28-29 ESV This is the first and greatest work a person can do. In doing so, you confess that there is salvation in no other. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved Acts 4:12 ESV
 
     Let us never fail to make known how God has restored us through His Son Jesus. May we live daily 1 Chronicles 16: 23-25……. Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised.
 
Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David