the DESIRE OF AGES
It is written in Haggai 2:7, “I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord Almighty.” Many ancient commentators see the “Desired” as a prophecy of the Messiah coming to the temple rebuilt in the days of Haggai and Ezra.
The true “Desire of Ages” is Jesus even if the nations themselves do not know or choose to accept this truth. HE is the one, the true RE-deemer, the true RE-storer, and the RE-newer of ALL wrong.
When baby Jesus was presented in the earthly temple, God’s presence was evident as never before! Take a peek at Luke 2 beginning with verse 21. Simeon had been waiting on the Desire Of Ages, waiting for the Consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before seeing the Lord’s Christ.
Picture yourself in Simeon’s sandals at that moment of seeing Messiah! How long have you been waiting? Would you consider having “Simeon moments” of your own?
If Jesus is not your “DESIRE OF AGES,” could this be your day to receive HIM into the rest of your life? Mary pondered many things! Could your answer be like Mary’s answer, “May it be to me as YOU say.”
The Way to Salvation
GOD’S LOVE AND PLAN: We believe that God loves everyone and has a purpose for their salvation and eternal destiny. John 3:16 (NIV) - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
HUMAN SIN AND SEPARATION: Because of sin, which has divided humanity from God, it is impossible for mankind to find redemption and eternal life on their own. Romans 3:23 (NIV) - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
JESUS CHRIST, OUR SACRIFICE: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay the penalty for sin and bridge the gap between God and people. Romans 5:8 (NIV) - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
FAITH AND REPENTANCE: God offers humanity salvation as a free gift. Repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ are prerequisites for receiving it. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Acts 3:19 (NIV) - "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
NEW LIFE IN CHRIST: Believers are called to live a life in Christ, transformed by the Holy Spirit, and part of God's family, the Church. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
RESTORED COMMUNION WITH GOD: Eternal life with God, from this point on till eternity, is the ultimate aim of salvation. John 10:28 (NIV) - "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."