1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV)
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also
received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4
that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the
Scriptures.
July fourth is Independence Day, and all across U.S.A.
people will celebrate the tremendous freedom we enjoy. Truly we are blessed! We
who know Jesus Christ as our Savior have another kind of freedom to celebrate.
We are free from the bondage of our sin and death.
I Corinthians 15:1-4 gives a concise picture of the
freedoms we have in Christ. First, “Christ died for our sins according to the
scriptures.” He died for one reason: to pay the penalty necessary for our sins.
He took our place. Because of His death, we are made free from the death
penalty of sin and stand righteous before God. This is our justification.
Second, “that He was buried.” Romans 6 tells us that
through faith we died with Him and were buried with Him and are now dead to the
power of sin over us. Sin no longer has dominion over us, so we can choose to
live righteous, holy lives. We are free from sin’s control over us! This is our
sanctification.
Third, “that He rose again the third day according to the
scriptures.” His death alone could not save us; it was the resurrection that
showed God’s acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice, and that gives power unto
salvation. In Colossians 3:1 we read that we are risen with Christ. His
resurrection guarantees a future in Heaven for us where we will be free from
the presence of sin. This is our glorification.
From that past moment when I truly believed, I am free from
the penalty of sin . . . Free from the present power of sin over me . . . And
guaranteed to one day be free from the presence of sin. Now that’s cause for
celebration—every day!
Dear Lord, let us
never forget the great gift of freedom that You have given to us as Your
followers. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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