Suddenly a great company of
the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to
God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom his favor
rests.” Luke 2:13-14
The
King James translation has the words “on
earth peace, good will toward men”.
Many other translations word it “on
earth peace among men with whom He is pleased”, which means something quite
different. The Holy Bible in its
Original Order believes the translation should be closer to the following: “Glory to
God in the highest, and peace on earth AMONG MEN OF GOODWILL”. Then there is the New International Version,
which translates this portion of scripture as seen above.
One thing we can be sure the angels were not saying was that “good will was to come to every
unrepentant sinner and enemy of God who would not appreciate the birth of
Jesus. Instead, peace would come to everyone seeking the manifestation of the
Messiah and who (does) his or her best to obey God.”1
The great Charles Wesley
(1707-1788), English leader of the Methodist movement, penned these words in
his song Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled”. To be reconciled is to bridge the gap man
created between himself and God by sinning. Christ was that bridge. A host
of angels, whose number is not revealed, came to proclaim the birth of
Christ. They praised the Father and
announced peace to all who would seek God and live according to His
statutes. Christ came to reveal God to
men and reveal their unworthiness to stand before Him.
God’s favor is defined by grace. He extends His grace to those who would receive it. It is part of the redemption package that saves one from their sins. If salvation is the gift, then grace is the ribbon and bow adorning the gift. This package deal should not be taken lightly for it came at a great price.
God’s favor is defined by grace. He extends His grace to those who would receive it. It is part of the redemption package that saves one from their sins. If salvation is the gift, then grace is the ribbon and bow adorning the gift. This package deal should not be taken lightly for it came at a great price.
Are you among those with whom God finds favor? You can be.
Seek the face of God today and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Then seize the moment before it is gone. We are never promised tomorrow. Until next time, walk with the King and be a
blessing!
1 [www.biblestudy.org]
