DEATH—Fear No More

DEATH—Fear No More

Do you fear death? If so, why?

Many people fear death because of the universal fear of the unknown. We each know we’ll die one day, but don’t know how, when, or where. For many, this fear is rooted in the fact that they don’t know what will happen to them after they take their last breath.

The ultimate purpose in Christ Jesus coming to earth was to conquer death, and in doing so, remove it’s fear from anyone who will follow Him. We read that, “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” In Galatians 5:1, Paul instructed, Christ followers to stand firm in the freedom Christ provided and then not get tangled up in any kind of fear-bondage.

As children, from the point in time when we learned about death, some degree of fear was set in motion in the heart of each of us.

Do you remember your first encounter with death as a child? For most of us it probably involved the passing of an older relative or maybe a pet. For some of us, it was a shocking, abrupt, life-altering experience.

The writer of Hebrews speaks of Jesus crucifixion saying, “That through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14b-15).

In other words, through one’s lifetime, we’re each subject to a bondage to the fear of dying. But Jesus’ overpowering His own death destroyed the devil’s power in death and therefore has set us free from slavery to that fear.

We can rejoice in the words found in 1 Corinthians 15:54,55:   So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (KJV)

  

 

 

 It’s because Jesus died on the cross, taking on Himself the punishment for sin we each deserved, and then, after being buried and His body lying in a grave for three days, He rose—alive again. Because Jesus is the Son of the God of the universe, He had power to overthrow death. 


Cross of Our Lord Ministry, Groom, TX
 Connie Wohlford Photo

In this, He made a way for His followers to do the same. Thus, He is called the firstfruits of the resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20).  

This is why freedom in Christ is true freedom. This is why His followers need not fear anyone who can kill their mortal bodies. It’s why Christians, in places where Christianity is forbidden, have the wherewithal stand firm and refuse to renounce their faith even in the face of persecution and death. They also have the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
This is also why we who follow Christ need not fear death. Death has no power over us and it’s why Paul could stand firm and say, “For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21 NKJV).

We glory in the cross of our Lord, for it is the catalyst for our own victory over death and the fear of it. As Resurrection Sunday (Easter) approaches, let’s rejoice in this freedom for which Christ has set us free!

The Resurrection Carl Heinrich Bloch 1834-1890

Oh, Hallelujah!
He is risen, indeed!   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

©Connie Wohlford 2016

Restoration and The Cross of Christ

Restoration and The Cross of Christ 

What does the word restoration mean to you? Perhaps having eyesight restored after surgery or the restoration of a historic home to its original beauty.

Restoration that comes from God actually restores a person to a condition far better than his or her former state. In God’s economy, restoration is about life—abundant life—every aspect of life. Moses said of the Lord, “He is your life” (Deut. 30:20).

“I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it           more abundantly.”  <> Words of Jesus—John 10:10b NKJV

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“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  <> Words of Jesus—John 14:6 NKJV

When Jesus went to the cross, He became the once-for-all (1 Cor. 5:7) Paschal Lamb (Ex. 12)—the Passover Lamb (Mark 14:12)—The Lamb of God (John 1:29).  

On Passover, in ancient Israel, a spotless male lamb was sacrificed to atone for sin—for the deliverance (salvation)—of the Jews. Jesus was the spotless Lamb sacrificed on the cross to atone for the sins of all mankind, once and for all.

John the Baptist recognized Jesus and announced, “Behold! The Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NKJV).

It was from the moment in time*, when Jesus died, that anyone who believes and receives Him may have abundant life for the rest of their days on earth and Eternal Life with Jesus in Heaven. Notice, I didn’t say a trouble-free life. Followers of Jesus have access to the attributes of Christ which can enrich life and give hope and peace even during earthly trials.

Anyone who will follow Christ will be restored to a right relationship with their Creator, God the Father. This cosmic restoration allows that person to enjoy the same fellowship with God that Adam and Eve knew before their fall. This restoration gives the follower of Jesus access to the abundant life spoken of in John 10.

It doesn’t mean we won’t ever sin again either. It means that when we do, we have an advocate with the Father. Jesus Christ, Himself will plead our case and help us return back to right relationship (1 John 2:1).  

God’s restoration means the spiritual death brought about by sin is replaced with spiritual life (Ezekiel 36:26, 27); that we will be one with Jesus (John 17:22); that we can live by the Spirit rather than by our flesh (Rom. 8:13); and that we can know God’s mystery, which is Christ in us, the hope of glory (Col. 1:26, 27).

SO, let’s rejoice in this amazing restoration to which we have access because of the cross of Christ. The crucifixion of our Lord made the way for each of us to receive the gift of Salvation—that’s being saved from our sin debt. At the cross He took the punishment you and I deserved. He paid our debt!

When Jesus rose from the dead, He overcame—He conquered death, hell, and the grave. In His own words: “I am He who lives and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hates and of Death” (Rev. 1:19 NKJV).

As Good Friday approaches, let us look with gratitude, to the cross of Christ and then let's celebrate, with great rejoicing, Resurrection Sunday, for we have been redeemed from sin's penalties and restored to a right relationship with God for all Eternity. Oh, Hallelujah!  

*Some researchers have suggested April 3, 33AD as the date of Jesus’ crucifixion. They say that geological evidence of an earthquake on that date and that location indicates this possibility. –Interesting!   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/25/jesus-crucifixion-date-possible_n_1546351.html

©Connie Wohlford 2016