COV LIFE BLOG

Joshua 20-21 – Jesus Is The Greater Refuge

The attempt to find in the cities of refuge a typical representation of the great salvation fails at every point but one. The safety that was found in the refuge corresponds to the safety that is found in Christ. But even in this point of view the city of refuge rather affords an illustration than constitutes a type. The benefit of the refuge was only for unintentional offences; the salvation of Christ is for all. What Christ saves from is not our misfortune but our guilt. The protection of the city was needed only till the death of the high priest; the protection of Christ is needed till the great public acquittal. All that the manslayer received in the city was safety; but from Christ there is a constant flow of higher and holier blessings. His name is called Jesus because He saves His people from their sins. Not merely from the penalty, but from the sins themselves. It is His high office not only to atone for sin, but to destroy it. ”If the Son makes you free, ye shall be free indeed.” The virtue that goes out of Him comes into contact with the lust itself and transforms it. The final benefit of Christ is the blessing of transformation. It is the acquisition of the Christ-like spirit. “Moreover whom He did foreknow, them He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn of many brethren.”

William Blaikie

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SCRIPTURES FOR THIS SUNDAY
Read Joshua 20-21 and notice how chapter 20 points us to God’s justice and grace through the cities of refuge and God’s provision and faithfulness through the Levitical cities. How do these reminders compare to what Christ is done and how does it far surpass them all?

SONG FOR THIS WEEK
To The Cross I Cling by Matt Boswell