There is quite a variety in payment plans for goods delivered. Offers come for products you can enjoy “with no payments until next year!” Other products may be received “with four easy payments of. . . !” And other deliveries demand C.O.D. — meaning “Cash On Delivery”! However, there are also deliveries made which are paid fully in advance. Paul has pointed out. . .
“(8) but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 ESV)
By His blood, Jesus has paid the price for our sins and the sins of the world. And God continues to wait for the world to respond to receive the benefits of that which has already been paid. Now allow me to change what we understand C.O.D. to commonly mean and apply it to this point.
What a marvelous delivery we receive C.O.D. But the C.O.D. is already paid. It is by Christ’s Own Death (C.O.D.) we have been delivered.
Note each of the following statements by Paul:
“(25) who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” (Romans 4:25 ESV)
“(13) He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, (14) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14 ESV)
“(10) and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1 Thessalonians 1:10 ESV)
Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross we have been delivered from death to justification, from darkness into His Kingdom, from the wrath of God as our sins have been taken away, and ultimately from death. And we could never pay for such a delivery! Praise God the price has been paid for us.
Have a great day ACCEPTING THE BENEFITS DELIVERED BY CHRIST’S OWN DEATH!
Carl
