The word aftermath came to me this morning from the Holy Spirit referring to the repercussions of the Cross.
The Cross demonstrated the unconditional love of God. Jesus gave us a sacrificial gift we do not deserve or can ever earn.
This was a very cruel event. Jesus is perfect and without sin. He experienced a horrible death on the Cross for all the ugly sins of humanity.
We learn from the text in the Bible Jesus was obedient to His Father and willing to give up His life so all believers could be restored to God and live with Jesus forever.
The Cross was a referendum of God breaking all the laws and rituals established from the past.
God desired for His people to be free to worship Jesus in Spirit and Truth.
God foreknew that no one could keep the precepts of God. He designed a salvation plan through Jesus, His only Son. The blood of Jesus forgives all sin and gives a believer the privilege to stand blameless before God. And, death has no power over a Christ follower. You live with Jesus forever.
The problem of sin did not go away with the Cross. All humanity is born with an inner nature to live for self and defy God.
God dealt with the quandary of sin through the gift of salvation. The decision for Christ seals you with the Holy Spirit. He is the life of Christ. The redemption offered through Christ transforms you into the character of God. You develop a new identity in Christ. But this is not enough! All humans operate with a free will so you have to make a choice for God or to satisfy your own desires every moment of your life.
If you live under the authority of the Holy Spirit he will keep you away from sin. You will not be perfect but you can live a life pleasing to God.
God created a powerful method to deal with sin. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ will set you free from the law of sin and death.
Walk with Jesus yielding to the Holy Spirit and you will be free from the bondage of sin.
The Cross causes all believers to be baptized into the death and resurrected life of Christ. You die to self and live for God. The Holy Spirit fills you with the resurrected life of Jesus. He gives you supernatural strength, wisdom, and protection.
The miracles of Jesus that took place two thousand years ago are alive today and can be experienced by every believer.
The challenge is dealing with the darts of Satan. He wants to steal, kill and destroy. He is right now looking for a weakness in your moral compass.
The Christ follower has to face this spiritual warfare everyday of His life. Pray the blood of Christ over you and declare the promises of God like “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” Put on the armor of God and stand firm against Satan.
The Cross destroyed religion but most human beings desire to interact with God through works and laws. This is less upsetting to your life but you will never meet the Living Christ.
Christianity is filled with religion while God states “My priority is for all believers to have a personal and enriching relationship with the Living Christ.” Jesus wants you to hear His voice, know Him personally and live in obedience to His instructions.
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life!
Hal Hollister Ministry 