F.E. Marsh :: 250. Kept

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PETER was kept by sixteen soldiers (Acts 12), but was not kept safely, but the four quaternion power of Christ that keeps us is-

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