To be a follower of Jesus, He stated. . .
“(23) And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (24) For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24 ESV)
In light of this, we need to understand life is not the one we save, but it is about what Jesus has saved us from and for. Through the cross, Jesus has saved us from our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 2:24) so that we could be dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11) and live to righteousness. (1 Peter 2:24) It is sin that separates us from God (i.e. Isaiah 59:2), but by our Lord’s death and by His life we have been reconciled to God. (Romans 5:10) Therefore we must be willing to deny ourselves to find the true life marked by following in the steps of our Lord.
While noting Himself as the good shepherd, Jesus encouraged. . .
“(10) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 ESV)
Not just life (merely existing), but life abundantly or in its fullness; thriving spiritually as the beings God created us to be in sharing His likeness (Genesis 1:27) and which is restored in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18) It is life found only as it is centered in Christ!
Remember how Paul noted his relationship with the Lord where he stated. . .
“(20) I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 ESV)
This is the life given to be lived in Christ! The crucified life is one of being dead to self and alive to God because of Christ living within us and thus being in essence our very life! (Colossians 3:4) May we continue in fuller surrender to Him and so experience His abundant life presently as we are led toward its even fuller and more eternal reality above!
Have a great day LIVING THE LIFE CHRIST HAS GIVEN!
Carl
