-January 9, 2022-
Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,
“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
The gospel is the good news, in fact it is the best news anyone can hear. It is a life-changing message, that everyone who believes in Jesus and His finished work on the cross will be saved, forgiven, and have have eternal life. The gospel is both beautiful and sublime. It is easy enough for a child to understand as well as everyone else.
Wherever Paul went in the ancient world, he preached the gospel and won many souls to Christ. Here in our text, he mentions three tenants of the gospel: Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again. Twice Paul says it is “according to the Scriptures.” God’s plan of salvation was devised before the foundation of the world, before man were created, and thus before the fall.
• Christ died for our sins – The reason Jesus came to die is because we were sinners and separated from God. We were without God and with hope. He bore our sins in His own body on the cross, became our Substitute on the cross, and endured the wrath and judgment of God. No one took His life, He willingly offered Himself in our place. We who were once far from God have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
• Christ was buried – Our Savior had to go to the tomb then rise again the third day. The grave could not hold Him. Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus for burial in his own garden tomb. Pilate made sure that He was dead, then released the body. He was in the tomb until God raised Him from the dead.
• Christ rose again – Just as He rose to new life, so too, we have been raised with Him. Paul wrote, speaking of Jesus, “who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised for our justification” (Romans 4:25). God the Father was fully satisfied with His sacrificial death for us that He raised Jesus His Son from the dead. Christ was seen by Peter, all the apostles, and Mary Magdalene. He was also seen by Paul and over 500 brethren. That same power that raised Jesus from the dead, flows through us by the Holy Spirit.
Men and women have preached and shared the gospel down through the centuries. Many risked their lives and were even martyred. Thank God that so many souls have been saved. One day we will be in heaven and see the countless multitudes from every tribe and tongue, people and nation. It is our responsibility to carry forth the message of the gospel to our generation. May we also rejoice in the beauty and simplicity of the message.
Have a blessed day worshiping the Lord and sharing the gospel with others in need. Stay safe and healthy.
In His grace and goodness,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 