Christ's Scars

We shall recognize Christ by the scars of Calvary. How much those scars proclaim! They at least reveal a sevenfold colour of grace and love. They proclaim:

1. The satisfaction of atonement for sin: Romans 3:25 says, "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (sacrifice of atonement) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"

God is our "propitiation" or sacrifice of atonement. God is justifiably angry at sinners. They have rebelled against him and cut themselves off from his life-giving power. God declares Christ's death as the appropiate, designated sacrifice for our sin. He stands in our place, having paid the penalty of death for our sin and he completely satisfies Gods demands. His sacrifice brings pardon, deliverence and freedom.

What happened to the people who lived before Christ came and died for sin? If God condemned them, is he being unfair? If he saved them, was Christ's sacrifice unnecessary? Paul shows that God forgave all human sin at the cross of Jesus. Old Testament believers looked forward by faith of Christs coming and were saved, even though they did not know Jesus name or the details of his earthly life. Unlike the Old Testament believers, you know about that God who loved the world so much that he gave his own Son (John 3:16). Have you put your trust in him?

2. The price of emancipating redemption: Eph. 1:7 says, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"

To speak of Jesus' blood was an important first-century way of speaking of Christ's death. His death points to two wonderful truths: redemption and forgiveness.

Redemption was the price paid to gain freedom for a slave (Lev. 25:47-54). Through his death, Jesus paid the price to release us from slavery to sin. Forgiveness was granted in Old Testament times one the basis of the shedding of animals' blood (Lev. 17:11). Now we are forgiven on the basis of the shedding of Jesus' blood, because he died and was the perfect and final sacrifice. (See also Rom. 5:9; Eph. 2:13; Heb. 9:22) A slave was "redeemed" when someone paid money to buy him or her freedom. God redeemed us from the tyranny of sin, not with money, but with the precious blood of his own Son. We could not escape from sin on our own; only the life of God's Son could free us.

3. The ground of Divine forgiveness: Col. 1:14 says, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins;"

In verses 12-14, Paul lists five benefits God secured for us when Christ died on the cross:

(1) He made us fit ("meet") to be part of his Kingdom. If you look in 2 Cor. 5:21 it tells us that when we trust Christ, we make a trade - our sin for his goodness. Our sin was poured into Christ at his crucifixion. His righteousness is poured into us at our conversion. This is what Christians mean by Christ's atonement for sin. In the world bartering works only when two people exchange goods of relatively equal value. But God offers to trade his righteousness for our sin - something of immeasurable worth for something worthless. How grateful we should be for his goodness to us.

(2) he rescued us from Satan's domination and made us his children (see also 2:15)

(3) he brought us into his eternal Kingdom. If you look in Eph. 1:5-6 it tells us that this is another way of saying salvation is God's work and not our own doing. God has adopted us as his own children. Through Jesus' sacrifice, he has brought us into his family and made us heirs along with Jesus (Rom. 8:17). In Roman law, adopted children had the same rights and privileges as natural children. Paul used this term to show how strong our relationship to God is.

(4) he bought our freedom ("redemption") from sin and judgment. Heb. 9:12 tells us that redemption refers to the process of paying the price (ransom) to free a slave. By Christ's death, he freed us from the slavery of sin forever.

(5) he forgave all our sins. Eph. 1:7 also tells us that grace is God's voluntary and loving favor given to those he saves. We can't earn nor do we deserve it. No religious or moral effort can gain it, for it comes only from God's mercy and love. Without his grace, no person can be saved.

4. The assurance of eternal peace: Col. 1:20 says, "And having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."

Christ's death provided a way for all people to come to God ("to be reconciled"). It removed the sin that keeps us from having a right relationship with our Creator. This does not mean that everyone has been saved, but that the way has been cleared for anyone who will trust Christ to be saved. We can have peace with God and be reconciled to him by accepting Christ.

5. The overthrow of Hell's authority. Heb. 2:14 says, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;"

Jesus had to become human ("flesh and blood") so he could die and rise again, in order to destroy the devils power over death. (Rom. 6:5-11) Only then could he deliver those who had lived in constant fear of death and free them to live for him. When we belong to God, we need not fear death, for we know that death is only the beginning of eternal life (1Cor. 15).

Christ's death and resurrection free us from the fear of death because death has been defeated. We must all go through the experience of dying, but it is not the end; instead, it is the doorway to a new life. Do some of your loved ones need the freedom from the fear of death that only Christ can give? All who dread death should have the opportunity to know the hope that Christ's victory brings. How can you share this understanding with those close to you?

6. The basis of all blessing for spirit, soul, and body. Heb. 13:12,20 says, "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate." "Now the God of peace, that, brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,"

God works in Christians to produce the kind of person that would please him and he equips Christians to do the kind of work that would please him. Let God change you, then use you.

7. The harbinger of coming glory. 1 Thess. 4:14 says, "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."

Because Jesus Christ came back to life, so will all believers. All Christians including those living when he returns, will live with Jesus forever. Therefore, we need not despair when loved ones die or world events take a tragic turn. God will turn our tragedies to triumphs, our poverty to riches, our pain to glory and our defeat to victory. All believers throughout history will stand reunited in God's very presence, safe and secure. We should comfort and reassure one another with this great hope.

Because of Christ's death and resurrection, his followers need never fear death. This frees us to fellowship with him and do his will. This will affect all our activities; work and worship, play and Bible study, quiet times and times caring for others. When you know you need not fear death, you will experience a new vigor in life.

Don't be afraid to close you eyes in death! Accept Christ today!

What Makes A Christian?

1. The Holy Spirit makes a Christian. John 3:3 says "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdon of God." John 3:5 says "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Jesus revealed that the only way to be a part of the kingdom was to be born again. The kingdom is personal, not national or ethnic and its entrance requirements are repentance and spiritual rebirth. God's kingdom has already begun in the hearts of believers. It will be fully realized when Jesus returns to judge the world and abolish evil forever (Rev 21,22) Jesus is explaining the importanceof a spiritual rebirth, saying we don't enter the kingdom by living a better life but by being spiritually reborn.

Who is the Holy Spirit? God is three persons in one; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God became a man in Jesus so that Jesus could die for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead to offer salvation to all people through spiritual rebirth. When Jesus ascended into heaven, his physical presence left the earth, but he promised to send the Holy Spirit so his spiritual presence would still be among mankind. (Luke 24:49)

2. Faith in Christ unites a Christian to the Father. John 1:12 says "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"

All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out, rearranging our attitudes, desires and motives. Being born makes you physically alive and places you in your parents family. Being reborn makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God's family.

3. Holiness of life proves a Christian. 1 Peter 3:16 says "Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accused your good conversation in Christ."

You may not be able to keep people from attacking you, but you can at least stop supplying them ammunition. As long as you do what is right, their accusations will be empty and will only embarass them. Keep your conduct above criticism.

4. Trial confirms a Christian. 1 Peter 1:7 says "That the trail of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"

All believers face such trials when they let their light shine into the darkness. We must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities, preparing us to meet Christ. Trials teach us patience (Rom 5:3-4; James 1:2-3) and help us grow to be the kind of people God wants us to be.

As gold is heated, impurities float to the top and can be skimmed off. Steel is tempered or strengthened by heating it in fire. Likewise, our trials, struggles and persecutions strenghten our faith and make us useful to God.

5. Service for Christ helps a Christian. Eph. 4:16 says "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

Some Christians fear that any mistake will destroy their witnes for the Lord. They see their own weaknesses and they know that many non-Christians seem to have stronger character than they do. How can they be new and different persons, holy and good? The good news is that Jesus forms us into a body; into a group of individuals who are united in their purpose and in their love for one another and for Christ. If an individual stumbles, the rest of the group is there to pick him up and help him walk with his Lord again. If an individual sins, he can find restoration through the church (Gal 6:1) even as the rest of the body continues to witness to God's truth. As part of Christ body, you will reflect part of Christ's character and do part of his work. As you grow to be more like him, you will be able to better appreciate your brothers and sisters in Christ, without whom you could not adequately represent the Lord.

6.Prayer to Christ strengthens a Christian. John 14:13-14 says "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."

When Jesus says we can ask for anything, we must remember that our asking must be in his name; that is, according to God's character and will. God will not grant requests contrary to his nature or his will, and we cannot use his name as a magic formula to fulfill our selfish desires. If we are sincerely following God and seeking to do his will, then our requests will be in line with what he wants, and he will grant them.

7. Glory with Christ crowns a Christian. Col 3:4 says "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

Christ gives us power to help us live now, and he gives us hope for the future; he will return again. For those who want to read it, in the rest of this chapter Paul explains how Christians should act now in order to be prepared for Christ's return.

This fresh start in life is available to all who believe in Christ. Have you asked Christ to make you a new person? If not then why not today?

Religion or Christ?

"Religion is often put on a pedestal and worshipped instead of Christ," so said a well-known Canon of the Church of England. There are many who are content with an outward show of religion and religious observances who know nothing of heartfaith in Christ and Christly action.

1. God's Religion. There is God's description of a true and practical religion, which is to care for the fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and to keep unspotted from the world. (James 1:27)

In the first century, orphans and widows had very little means of economic support. Unless a family member was willing to care for them, they were reduced to begging, selling themselves as slaves or starving. By caring for these powerless people, the church put God's word into practice. When we give with no hope of receiving in return, we show what it means to serve others.

To keep ourselves unpolluted ("unspotted") from the world we need to commit ourselves to Christs ethical and moral system, not the worlds. We are not to adapt to the worlds value system based on money, power and pleasure. True faith means nothing if we are contaminated with such values.

2. An Empty Religion. Then there is the Spirit's description of an empty religion, when he describes a person who seems to be religious and who bridleth not his tongue. (James 1:26)

What you say and what you don't say are both important. Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time, but controlling your desire to say what you shouldn't. Examples of wrongly using the tongue include gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering and lying. Before you speak, ask, "Is what I want to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?" (James 3:2-3)

3. Man's Religion. Paul, in looking upon the empty rites of the idolatrous worship at Athens, said, "I perceive that in all things ye are too religious" (Acts 17:22)

Like Paul we must be prepared. The more we know about the Bible, what it means and how to apply it to our lives, the more convincing our words will be. This does not mean we should avoid presenting the Gospel until we feel adequately prepared. We should work with what we know, but always want to know more in order to reach more people and answer their questions and arguments more effectively. Pauls address is a good example of how to communicate the Gospel. When you witness to others, you can use Paul's approach: use examples, establish common ground and then move people toward a decision about Jesus Christ.

There is often a good deal of religion without Christ, but there is always true religion when there is Christ. The secret of practical religion is the potential Christ!

Two Choices: Accept or Reject

When things are going well, we feel elated. When hardships come, we sink into depression. But true joy transcends these waves of circumstance. Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives are intertwined with his, he will help us walk through adversity without sinking into debilitating lows and manage prosperity without moving into deceptive highs. The joy of living with Jesus Christ daily keeps us levelheaded no matter how high or low our circumstances.

We are to love one another as Jesus loved us, and he loved us enough to give his life for us. We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice sacrificial love: listening, helping, encouraging and giving. Think of someone in particular who needs this kind of love today. Give all the love you can, and then try to give a little more.

Because Jesus Christ is Lord and Master, he should call us slaves, but instead he calls us friends. How comforting and reassuring to be chosen as his friends. Because he is Lord and Master, our obedience should be unqualified and blind, but Jesus asks us to obey him because we love him.

Jesus made the first choice-to love and to die for us, to offer us eternal life. We make the next choice-to accept or reject his offer. Without his choice, we would have no choice.

Make the right choice and accept Jesus today!

(John 15:11-16)