“And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples… strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:21-22

What is the reason that Jesus went to the cross? Of course we know that John 3:16 says it was so we would not perish but that we might have everlasting life. We also know He did it out of His great love for us.

But besides forgiveness of sins and eternal life, how should Christ’s sacrifice effect our life? Are we to just wait around to go to heaven or is there now a new purpose for the life of the person Jesus died for? Allow the following texts of scripture to guide you to the answer to these questions.

“…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 Cor 5:15

“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1-2

“But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, “and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,” Acts 3:18-20

What is the goal of your life? Is your life’s goal to live for Him Who died for you? Is it your intention to repent of those sins that Jesus died for? Have you turned from sin to serve the Living God? Understand that Jesus did not die for your sins merely to allow you to continue in them. Jesus came, died and rose again to bring both forgiveness and deliverance from sin. Jesus calls all those who believe in Him to be His “disciples”.

“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” Luke 9:23, 24

Pastor Mike