21) Birthrite: Author of Salvation

Vsevolod Garshin, by Ilya Repin,
Met museum and Art Gallery, New York

In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,

‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’ Psalm 2:7

And he says in another place:-

‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’ Psalm 110:4

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.  Hebrews 5:9

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14

For most people the answer to 'why were you born?' should be 'because I am to be loved' 

This was indeed why Jesus was born on this earth, but he also came to live.  To live and to die.  The Jewish tradition requires atonement for wrong doing.  This is still required in modern law.  Actions have consequences.  Some countries continue to have the death penalty.  When it comes to fines, who pays does not seem to matter so long as the fine is paid.  We believe that Jesus came to make amends for the breach in the relationship between the Creator and humanity.  The experience of passing from outside, to inside the experience is a tricky one.  The outsider may see it as mind games.  The insider may be brainwashed.  But as many have noted, there is nothing like having your brain washed clean.  And the rest of you at the same time.

PRAYER:  I experience your salvation.  I cannot deny it, and I never want to go back.

Incidentally:- of Melchizedek.  

Melek - (Malik) means 'king' and Sedeq, which means 'righteous'.  When people thought of Jesus, and who he was like, Melchizedek was the known pattern.  Here was a king who was famous for being a humble servant, a perfect and wise ruler.  We know that Jesus was far more than just this.  

Also:- Garshin is featured here because he is an author.  No more and no less.

Garshin died aged 33 from
 injuries sustained after in
despair, he threw himself
down some stone stairs.