Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 12; 2 Corinthians 5; Ezekiel 19; Psalm 64 & 65
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Are you constrained by the love of Christ? Paul was as he thought about how much Christ loves us! He said that since one (that’s Jesus Christ) died for all, then were all dead. All people are dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). Do you know this? Do you know that lost people are dead in trespasses and sins? And yet, the Bible says that Jesus Christ died for all. For some reason, many in our day do not believe this. They say that Jesus only died for the elect. This is called Limited Atonement and it is not Biblical. The Bible is clear that he died for all.
Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 Timothy 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Now just because Jesus Christ died for all, it does not mean that all men are saved. Notice that the Bible draws a distinction in saying, “that they which live.” Only those who trust in Jesus Christ receive forgiveness and salvation from the Lord. But for those who do believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, they too are constrained by the love of Christ. Their motivation for living is completely changed. They no longer live a selfish existence but they now live for Christ who died for them and rose again.
Who do you live for? Do you live for Christ or for self? Do you serve King Jesus? He died for you and rose from the grave. He has a mission for you. He wants you to bring glory to him by living for his glory. You have the best news in the world and it is for the whole world. Let’s share it!
In Christ,
Rody
