Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:11 (NAS)
Wash: I have been washed clean of my unrighteousness. Every sin I have ever committed or will commit has been paid for.
Sanctify: To set a person/thing apart for the use intended by its designer; to consecrate or make holy. I have been made holy. His sacrifice allows me to die to sin and live to righteousness.
Justify: To declare as just or righteous; to be set free. I am no longer enslaved to sin, but freed in Christ!
Christ knew some people would never believe in Him. He knew that even after placing our faith in Him, we would still drift away from Him and fall into the idolatrous temptations of the world around us. He knew that in spite of His sacrifice, we would still try to earn His favor and, in the process, taint the name that once meant "Christ-follower."
Yet, He still obeyed His Father, allowed Himself to be crucified, and endured the burden of all of humanity's sins.
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
Matthew 27:46
Because of that sacrifice, we have the freedom to choose to surrender our lives to God and spend eternity with Him!
But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.
Psalm 49:15
I guess that's what I've been reminded of lately: the power and simplicity of the Gospel. After being a Christian for several years, I think it's easy to dismiss the Gospel and convince myself that I should be focusing on more deep, theological doctrine. But as far as I'm concerned, it doesn't get much deeper than the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ. The reason for my joy, the purpose for my life. Praise God.
word.
ReplyDeleteliving is siiiiiimpllllllle.