"Now all praise to God for his wonderful kindness to us and his favor that he has poured out upon us, because we belong to his dearly loved Son. So overflowing is his kindness toward us that he took away all our sins through the blood of his Son, by whom we are saved; and he has showered down upon us the richness of his grace-for how well he understands us and knows what is best for us at all times." Ephesians 1: 6-8
WE ARE SAVED BECAUSE OF HIS RESURRECTION
We waited in anticipation for the glorious celebration of the resurrection of the Christ. AND, we waited with trepidation in our body, mind, and soul.
The hymn, "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord," (African-American Spiritual, public domain) sits heavy within my heart. Would you have wanted to have been there when they crucified our Lord? Would not it, also, caused you to tremble, tremble, tremble? To see our Lord nailed to a tree, would not it have caused your whole being to sob uncontrollably? To see our Lord suffer for three long hours, could you have endured what our Lord endured, I think not. When they laid Him in the tomb, would you not have grieved from the bottom of your soul, knowing your life is now in chaos?
When we allowed ourselves to transgress back to this time as our Lord was arrested, judged and crucified, what did you think? Did you just pass this time as though nothing different had happened? Was this just a time of ordinary thoughts, actions, and work?
Just because the Easter Season has passed, does not mean we forget. We must ever be mindful of the sacrifice that was given for us.
I pray that you will join me in remembering why Christ was born, lived and was crucified by referring to the following scriptures throughout the rest of the year:
"Romans 3:24 We are declared not guilty" of sin.
Romans 8:1 No condemnation awaits us.
Romans 8:2 We are free from the vicious circle of sin and death.
1 Corinthians 1:2 We are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 15:22 We will rise again.
2 Corinthians 3:17 We are free from trying to be good enough.
2 Corinthians 5:17 We are brand new people inside.
2 Corinthians 5:21 We are full of God's goodness.
Galatians 3:28 We are one in Christ with all other believers.
Ephesians 1:3 We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in heaven.
Ephesians 1:5-6 We belong to Christ.
Ephesians 1:7 Our sins are taken away and we are forgiven.
Ephesians 1:10, 11 We will live with Christ forever; we are gifts to God.
Ephesians 1:13 We are maked as belonging to God by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 2:6 We have been lifted from the grave to sit with Christ in glory.
Ephesians 2:10 We have been given new lives.
Ephesians 2:13 We have been brought near to God.
Colossians 2:11 We are set free from our evil desires.
2 Timothy 2:1 We will have eternal glory." (Taken from a list on page 1807 of the Life Application Bible)
Wow! what a list, can you now accept Jesus Christ as your Savior? After you read the above verses of scriptures and pray upon asking Jesus to come into your hearts, I am sure you will feel His Holy Presence.
Even if you do not attend a church, remember, the Holy Spirit is with you.
AND behold, if you only believe in the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, repent of your sins and ask His forgiveness, and walk the new path with Him, you are saved.
May you walk the rest of this year with true belief in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, for then you are His and you are saved.
