250. KEPT
Peter was kept by sixteen soldiers (Act 12), but was not kept safely, but the four quaternion power of Christ that keeps us is—
His finished Work in its fourfold aspect.
- Godward. God's claims met and God glorified. "I have glorified Thee on the earth, I have finished the work" (Jhn 17:4).
- Satanward. Powers of hell defeated. "That He might destroy the works of the devil" (1Jo 3:8).
- Worldward. Separation from it. "Be not conformed to this world" (Rom 12:2).
- Selfward. Crucified and dead. "I am crucified with Christ" (Gal 2:20).
His continual Work and Presence above.
- He is our Representative in whom we are represented. "To appear in the presence of God for us" (Hbr 9:24).
- He is our Intercessor to plead on our behalf. "He ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hbr 7:25).
- He is our Advocate to look after our interests. "We have an Advocate with the Father" (1Jo 2:1).
- He is our Saviour to preserve to the end. "He is able also to save them to the uttermost" (Hbr 7:25).
His Gifts and Grace.
- His bestowed life. "Given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son" (1Jo 5:11).
- His sufficient grace. "My grace is sufficient for thee" (2Cr 12:9).
- His mighty hand. "Kept by the power of God" (1Pe 1:5).
- His garrisoning peace. "And the peace of God…shall keep your hearts and minds" (Phl 4:7).
His Promises.
- To be with us to the end. "Lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Mat 28:20).
- To be with us by the Spirit. "By His Spirit that dwelleth in you" (Rom 8:11).
- To be for us at all times. "If God be for us, who can be against us" (Rom 8:31).
- To come again and receive us unto Himself. "I will come again and receive you unto Myself" (Jhn 14:3).