The mystery of godliness (3) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit.
1 Timothy 3:16.

The mystery of godliness (3)
We have seen that true godliness is connected with the eternal Son of God becoming Man in the fullness of time. Now we learn that He was "justified in the Spirit".

"Justified" in this context cannot mean that he was exonerated from guilt. That can apply only to those accused and found innocent. "Justified in the Spirit" signifies that He was declared or proven to be righteous, as if a judge had found a person irreproachable.

Every step of our Lord's life on earth was well-pleasing to God. All that He thought, said and did met God's righteous demands. The Holy Spirit was active in everything in His life: His birth, His walk, His sayings, His miracles and His death on the cross. "He is altogether lovely" (Song of Solomon 5:16).

Our Lord's resurrection and ascension to heaven are the crowning testimony of His perfection. Through His resurrection He was "declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness" (Romans 1:4). In view of His ascension the Holy Spirit convicts the world of righteousness, as Jesus told His disciples, "because I go to my Father and you see me no more" (John 16:10).

The greatest injustice was committed when the "Holy and Just One" was nailed to the cross. But He is now with the Father. It is fitting that He has been given the highest place in heaven and that the world can no longer see Him, whom they hated without a cause.

(to be continued next Wednesday)

Today's reading: Ezra 1:1-11 · Proverbs 3:19-35