May 31
“The love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again,” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.
What is the motive for living a Christian life? We are compelled or moved to live as Christians by the love of Christ. Stand in the shadow of the cross. Lift up your head and look at Jesus suffering and dying to save you, and not just you, but everyone. “He died for all!”
Sometimes people are troubled by their sins of the past and present. Their conscience bothers them, and they ask themselves, “Did Jesus really save me?” The answer is in those four words, “He died for ALL!” No one is excluded. He died to redeem all who ever lived from the beginning of time, for all who are living now, and for all who will live until the end of time.
Troubled by their sins, others have an accusing conscience because they tell themselves that their sins are far too many to be forgiven or that they are far too great and grievous to be forgiven. Sinners must be directed to flee to another simple Gospel message: “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from ALL sin,” 1 John 1:7. There is no sin too great or too grievous, too vile or too filthy, too horrible, too black, or too whatever, that it cannot be forgiven. Jesus’ blood shed on Calvary’s cross has washed us clean of every sin.
The Gospel message is for ALL people. Isaiah wrote, “The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all,” Isaiah 53:6. Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord speaks very personally to each troubled sinner: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine,” Isaiah 43:1. When Jesus was born, the angel announced to the shepherds, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord,” Luke 2:11. The angel announced that the Savior was the Christ, the promised Messiah and Lord. He was God and Man in one Person.
When Jesus began His public ministry, John the Baptist pointed to Him and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” John 1:29. Jesus told Nicodemus, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved,” John 3:16-17.
The apostle Peter wrote, “You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold . . . but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot,” 1 Peter 1:18-19.
The apostle John wrote, “We love Him because He first loved us,” 1 John 4:19. Paul wrote in the text for this devotion: “Those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” Out of love for Him who first loved us, we should live a Christian life that gives all glory to God.
Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus, Can my heartfelt longing still.
Lo, I pledge myself to Jesus, What He wills alone to will.
For my heart, which He hath filled, Ever cries, Lord, as Thou wilt.
One there is for whom I’m living, Whom I love most tenderly;
Unto Jesus I am giving, What in love He gave to me.
Jesus’ blood hides all my guilt; Lord, oh, lead me as Thou wilt. Amen.