God
Given Benediction
Num.
6:24-26
Many
of our services are closed with this benediction: The Lord bless and
keep thee, The Lord make His face to shine upon thee and be gracious
unto thee, The Lord lift up His countnance upon thee and give thee
peace. This benediction is given by the Lord Himself.
We
are blessed in Divine election, Eph. 1:4. We are blessed in adoption
making us sons of God, Eph. 1:5. We are blessed in justification,
Rom. 8:23, 24. In justification God declares us righteous and
forgives our sins.
The
Lord lifts up His countenance upon us and gives us peace in
regeneration. Regeneration is that act of the Holy Spirit that by
the word of God quickens us to new life and enables us to repent and
believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, John 3:5, 6. His countenance is
lifted upon us in sanctification, 1 Pet. 1:2. Sanctification is the
setting apart of the believer for the worship and service of God.
His countenance also gives us preservation or everlasting life, 1 Thess, 5:23.
Our
Lord's lifted countenance giving peace gives us redemption and
acceptance in the Beloved, Eph. 1:6, 7. It gives us Justification
through the blood of Christ, Rom. 5:9. It also gives us promise of
final redemption in the second coming of our Lord, Eph. 1:14.
This
Old Testament benediction is certainly encouraging.
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