Our hope in Christ

Khesed

kheh’-sed | חֶסֶד

Hebrew noun meaning God’s: covenant loyalty; steadfast love; loving-kindness in action; mercy; faithfulness; goodness; and grace.

Appearing 250 times in the Old Testament, khesed is a Hebrew word that defines God’s character. It is rich in meaning. So much so that khesed has no English parallel, hence the need for many words to convey its depth.

In Exodus 34:6-7, when God first reveals His character to Moses, He declares Himself “compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in khesed, faithfulness and truth.”

The prophets frequently appeal to God’s khesed as the basis for hope and restoration. When Israel is in exile or facing judgment, it is God’s khesed that offers a way back. “Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in khesed” (Joel 2:13).

King David celebrates the benefits of Yahweh’s khesed, including the forgiveness of sins, healing of diseases, and the renewal of life.

Bless Yahweh, my soul, and do not forget any of His benefits; who pardons all your guilt, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with loyal love [khesed חֶ֣סֶד] and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. – Psalm 103:1-5

Christ fulfils khesed – the Father’s covenant love

The Old Testament’s richness of khesed reaches its climax in the person and work of the Messiah. The Mosaic covenant, with its observance of the Law, is done away with. In its place is a far superior way – the New Covenant of grace.

The death and resurrection of Jesus changed everything. It was a monumental event. Having profound consequences for the redemption of mankind, for this life and the one to come. The spiritual forces in the demonic realm were confronted by the seismic shift taking place. Their advantage over mankind since the fall was now under threat.

For the first time in human history, all aspects of our fallen nature could be taken to the foot of the cross and exchanged for His divine nature. This is a profound truth.

Through the cross, two exchanges are made; the first secures our salvation, the second provides for our ongoing sanctification in this life.

1. Firstly, the penalty for our sins is paid before a holy and just God. We are saved from His righteous judgment and wrath. We exchange our sin, condemnation, eternal death and separation from God for His forgiveness and justification, as a free gift by faith (Rom 3:23,24; Rom 5:17,18; Rom 6:23; 2 Cor 5:21; Is 53:6).
2. Secondly, the consequences of sin in our lives are exchanged for Jesus’s righteousness. He takes our fallen nature and gives us His divine nature (Isaiah 53:3-7; 1 Peter 2:24). This, too, is received as a free gift by faith. Our shame, sorrow, sickness, hopelessness, powerlessness, oppression, loneliness, rejection, grief, poverty, loss, and sadness are exchanged for His life, blessing, acceptance, comfort, peace, joy, reconciliation, dignity, freedom, and authority over Satan (2 Cor 8:9; 9:8; Col 2:15; Heb 2:14; Heb 12:2; Eph 2:15,16; Is 50:7; Matt 26:38; Gal 3:13).

Isaiah 53 makes it clear: Jesus wants to free us not only from sin itself, but also from the damage that sin brings into our lives - whether self-inflicted or suffered at the hands of others.

It is only on this basis that true healing and wholeness is possible in this life. It is the Father’s promise to us, the provision we have in Christ, and the bedrock principle of this counselling practice.

We readily accept the first exchange that secures our salvation. But many fail to appropriate the second exchange, which determines the quality of our daily life and Christian walk. As we repent, the lasting impact of our own and others’ sins against us, the pain and sorrow of current or past trauma, can be removed by Jesus as we ask this of Him.

Many who are suffering can be left wondering if there is any hope of freedom and healing. Praise God, there is. Jesus came that you and I may have life and have it abundantly. That we would be restored, made whole. After all, that is what the word salvation literally means.