THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRIST’S SUFFERING – Pastor Chris
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow (1 Peter 1:10-11).
Luke 24:46-47 says, “…Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” The crucifixion of Christ was necessary for the salvation of man; salvation couldn’t have been accomplished otherwise. Our opening scripture talks about the glory that follows the sufferings of Christ. Part of that glory is the salvation of man.
Salvation is an all-encompassing word that encapsulates all that God wrought for us in Christ: life, health, wealth, prosperity, abundance, etc. He suffered for your sake. He was your substitute on the cross. He took your place that you might take His place. Your place was that of sin and death; His place was that of life and righteousness.
The Bible says, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). He was made sin for us, who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus didn’t just save you from sin; He gave you His life and nature.
When you come to the realization of the importance of the sacrifice of Christ, then you’ll appreciate His vicarious death and appropriate the benefits of salvation in your life. Today, sin and its effects and consequences have no dominion over you. You’re free to serve the Lord and live for Him. You’re now accepted in the presence of God, all because of Jesus.
Man became separated from the glory-life due to Adam’s transgression, but as a result of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the glory has been restored. You were brought into that life of glory the moment you were born again.
CONFESSION
I manifest the glory and righteousness of God, because I have His life and nature in my spirit. Jesus suffered in my place; therefore, I live in the ensuing glory and beauty of His vicarious sacrifice. My life is upward and forward, and my light shines ever more brightly, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Isaiah 53:1-5; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 1 Peter 2:21-24
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Romans 1:18-32 & Psalms 35-37
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Ephesians 3:1-12 & Isaiah 46
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