WHAT CHRIST AND CHRISTIANS OBTAIN - J. C. O’Hair

WHAT CHRIST AND CHRISTIANS OBTAIN 
  Pastor J. C. O’Hair 

In this lesson we are to consider what Christ and Christians have obtained. There are six or seven different Greek words translated “obtain.”
In Hebrews 1:4 we read that Christ hath by inheritance OBTAINED a more excellent name than the angels.
In Ephesians 1:11 we learn that, in Christ, the Christians have OBTAINED a predestinated inheritance which God purposed.
In Hebrews 8:6 we learn that Christ hath OBTAINED a more excellent ministry than Israel’s Old Testament priests.
According to Hebrews 11:2 the Old Testament heroes of faith OBTAINED a good report by faith.
Then we read the wonderful news in Hebrews 9:12, that Christ by His own blood entered into heaven once, “HAVING OBTAINED ETERNAL REDEMPTION FOR US.”
Peter addressed Christians as those, “that have OBTAINED like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 1:1). This, of course, means the truth of I Thessalonians 5:9 and 10: “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to OBTAIN salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.”
In the Old Testament we read in Proverbs 12:2, “a good man OBTAINETH favour of the Lord.” How wonderful it is to have God’s favour and say with Paul, “if God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
In Romans 5:20 and I Timothy 1:13 and 16 we read some very good news; how a bad man can obtain the favour (grace) of the Lord: “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious; but I OBTAINED mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” (I Timothy 1:13) - Then certainly Paul obtained special favour from the Lord. All through His life thereafter, Christ spoke these Words to that redeemed religious Christ-hating sinner who became the best of all Christians: “My grace is sufficient for thee.” (II Corinthians 12:9). Paul, by the grace of God, laboured more abundantly than they all. (I Corinthians 15:10). The risen Lord revealed Himself and His message to Paul many times. He revealed salvation for Gentiles, in this language: “For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now OBTAINED mercy through their unbelief.” (Romans 11:30).
If we never forget why Gentiles obtained mercy, we will not boast against the branches (Romans 11:18); but we will be gracious toward Israel with the message of grace, in obedience to Romans 11:31 - “Even so have these also not believed, that through your mercy they also may OBTAIN mercy.” “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God.” (Romans 11:33).
In the message of salvation, in this age and dispensation, we know it is all of grace and all the way by grace, all-sufficient grace. (II Corinthians 9:8 - Romans 5:20 - Titus 2:11 and 14 - II Timothy 1:9 and Ephesians 2:7) - So we need not run, or do, to be saved by grace. But in I Corinthians 9:24, Christians are thus instructed, “So run, that ye may OBTAIN.” Obtain, not salvation, but what the elders of Hebrews 11:2 obtained, a good report, an abundant entrance.
Men of the world run for a corruptible crown. “NOW they do it to OBTAIN a corruptible crown, but we for an incorruptible. (I Corinthians 9:25).
Is it not wonderful to know that the eternal Almighty living God is “the God of all grace” (I Peter 5:10), that “He will not only give us, free, eternal life, everlasting bliss and glory, but He will pay us well, with rich rewards for every service done in the Name of His Beloved Son?