Life after the cross – 4

Life after the Cross – 3

By Apostle Felix

13  This “realm of death” describes our former state, for we were held in sin’s grasp. But now, we’ve been resurrected out of that “realm of death” never to return, for we are forever alive and forgiven of all our sins! 

14  He canceled out every legal violation we had on our record and the old arrest warrant that stood to indict us. He erased it all—our sins, our stained soul—he deleted it all and they cannot be retrieved! Everything we once were in Adam has been placed onto his cross and nailed permanently there as a public display of cancellation. 

15  Then Jesus made a public spectacle of all the powers and principalities of darkness, stripping away from them every weapon and all their spiritual authority and power to accuse us. And by the power of the cross, Jesus led them around as prisoners in a procession of triumph. He was not their prisoner; they were his! 

Colossians 2: 13 – 15

What is the gospel? The gospel is the good news. What is the good news all about? Now, the Biblical good news is not the acquisition of property, buying a new car, getting married, a promotion at work, successful at business, or anything that one can acquire without God. Sinners are driving cars, buying property and getting married, but yet they are far from the truth. All these things are good, but not good enough to replace the good news of the Lord. Jesus found people were getting married, wealthy and successful. He never recommended anyone of them based on their earthly success. As a matter of fact, He reprimanded many for trusting in earthly possessions.

22  Completely shocked by Jesus’ answer, he turned and walked away very sad, for he was extremely rich. 

23  Jesus looked at the faces of his disciples and said, “How hard it is for the wealthy to enter into God’s kingdom realm.” 

24  The disciples were startled when they heard this. But Jesus again said to them, “Children, it is next to impossible for those who trust in their riches to find their way into God’s kingdom realm. 

Mark 10: 22 – 24

I am not here to endorse poverty. Poverty is an enemy of humanity. However, Jesus did not die so that humanity can become rich. If that was the case, then those who were rich before the cross, were already justified before the Lord. But that is not so. Jesus died on the cross that you and me can become children of God.

Man was held in sin’s grip, and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ set us free from that grip. Jesus’ death on the cross is very significant in the sense that those who were once dead in sin and taken captive are now free and are called sons of God. The old guard, which is the law was nailed to the cross, so that we can stand before the Father justified. The condemnation was dealt with once and for all. That’s why you and me can come before the Father without any sense of guilt. Paul put it in this way:

1  So now the case is closed. There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One. 

2  For the “law” of the Spirit of life flowing through the anointing of Jesus has liberated us from the “law” of sin and death. 

Romans 8: 1, 2

Life after the cross is without condemnation because the voice of condemnation which was the law was nailed on the cross. Our union with Christ makes us immune to all manner of accusations from the devil. Every time the devil brings any accusation against your life, just remind him of your position in Christ. You are on the ‘life after the cross’ side.

Briefly, let me assure you that God is interested in your well being. He wants you to eat well, dress well, drive a beautiful car and marry. But all these things are not the reason why He died on the cross. Whatever one can acquire without Jesus, then that could not be the reason why He died on the cross. There is one thing that man could not do or achieve by himself. And that is salvation from sin.

33  “So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. 

Matthew 6: 33

Jesus called the things we chase after as less important. The church has been focusing on less important things. He admonished the people to seek after the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. This will make us to start evaluating our reasons of serving God. For some reason, we have turned God into a father Christmas, who will only drop gifts through our chimneys and disappear. No, the reason why Jesus came was to reconcile us back to God. He took us from Lodebar into the palace to become kings and priests. A palace is a place of abundance. You will find everything there. Our focus should not be on the things, but on Jesus. Prioritize Him in your life. It is our relationship with God that matters most.

19  “Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value. 

20  Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay, or lose their value. 

21  For your heart will always pursue what you value as your treasure. 

Matthew 6: 19 – 21