TO LIVE FOR HIM!

JESUS DIED FOR US!

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died.

2 Corinthians 5:14

Most Christians are familiar with the glorious truth that Jesus died for our sins. Because He died in our place, the price has been paid for all past, present and future sins!

OUR DEATH WARRANT!

Many fewer are aware of what the second part of that verse teaches:

…if One died for all, then all died

2 Corinthians 5:14b

Who wouldn’t want to accept a deal which gives us total forgiveness and a place in heaven for all eternity?

But there is a catch! This is not a one-way contract which requires nothing from us. If we are to be genuinely born again, we must first die!

No this is not a program of discipline in which we try to contain our natural tendencies to sin until we are ready for Christ to live with in us. It is an act of God which follows repentance - a change of heart!

When we truly accept Christ, we are signing a contract with Him, not only to be partakers of all the benefits of His death on the cross, but also our own death warrant!

As with any contract, something is required of both parties. The fact that salvation is accomplished solely God’s power alone is often misinterpreted to mean that there are no terms on our side of the contract!

It does not take any of our own power to die - God will do it all but we must agree to it by faith!

Many want to skip this step and receive a “get out of jail free” card from God. They want to continue living their lives on their own terms and even expect God to help them with their own plans, desires and dreams! 

LIVING FOR JESUS!

Paul continues on, making it clear that that is not how entering into the salvation contract works:

…and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

2 Corinthians 5:15

What could be clearer? We are no longer to live for ourselves but for Him!

NOT living for ourselves and asking Him to be a part of our lives! NOT making our own plans and asking Him for His blessings! 

LIVING FOR HIM! 

Seeking His plans and following them! Searching out His commands and obeying

them - 100%. You might say “But no one can say they have achieved that but Jesus!” True - but that is still the goal and the standard for every Christian’s life!

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”;

14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 

James 4:13-15

Have we laid down all of our own plans, hopes, dreams and desires on the altar in favor of God's?

The great news is that we never suffer loss by following God's plans! His plans are ALWAYS superior to our own and those who follow Him will learn that wonderful truth! 

There is a also a great sense of freedom and peace that will come when we let go of our ways and let God have His!

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