A New Love, A New Life



For Christ's love compels us because we are convinced that one died for all ... that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, NIV)

Perhaps the greatest fear most people have is the grave. It is such a drearie, dark thought. It is an equally great unknown for most of us. However, as Paul writes to the Corinthians, there is one who escaped the grave - death has no hold on Him - and we know that person as our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, we also win the victory over the grave. It is this great hope that anyone can have when he trusts Jesus Christ as his Savior. As our Lord says: "...he has crossed over from death to life" (John 5:24, NIV).

What then? Why does a Christian remain on the Earth after receiving the free gift of salvation? Why do so many live their Christianity out in very un-Christ like ways? Aside from a heart that has not yielded to Jesus as Lord of all, I rather think many are just plain ignorant of what Jesus said or what the New Testament sets out about our responsibilities in Christ. As Paul writes:
 

For we must all appear before the Judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him, for the things done while in the body whether good or bad. (2 Cor 5:10, NIV)


As Christians, we must realize that while our sins are forgiven - past, present, and future (Praise the Lord!) - we are held accountable as stewards of that which God has entrusted to us when we were born again. We each received certain spiritual gifts when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. God has given us a certain amount of time on this earth to use those gifts for His glory and for the building up of His kingdom. When our time is up, and all of us will be right on time for that appointment, our ministry here on Earth will be judged.  The judgement is not for punishment (otherwise our sins wouldn't really be forgiven) but for reward. The reward is an eternal one so understand the tremendous consequences that we are talking about.

It pains me to hear a Christian say that since they are saved, it doesn't really matter what they do since they are already forgiven. So many people say this - not verbally, but by the life they lead. How could anyone bear to look at our dear Savior on His Judgment seat, staring at His nail torn hands and feet, and willfully tell him "Well, look, just so long as I get in...ok?"  Don't settle for the cheap seats!
 

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation ... and he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, NIV)


God makes us new creatures in Christ. He sets us apart by His Spirit and will work through us as we yield to His will. Consider how you can be an ambassador of a ministry that reaches others you know with the Good News from Jesus Christ.
 

Now is the time of God's favor, today is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2b, NIV)






Our Creator God loves you and wants you to know Him! If you would like to contact this ministry for further information or questions, please send your e-mail to:
Email: ministryrequest1@WordTruth.Com
Web Site: WordTruth.Com

Copyright 10/11/2000, Randy Lariscy.