Then thank Jesus

What does the cross mean to you? Many people in the world today view it as a symbol of Christianity, but think about what it represented in Christ’s day. Nobody wore a miniature cross around the neck or displayed one in a place of worship. The cross was a tortuous means of execution, and the mere thought of it was repulsive.

Yet believers throughout the ages have chosen this as the sign of their faith. In fact, to remove the cross from our teaching and theology would leave nothing but an empty, powerless religion. How could anyone be saved if Christ had not been crucified and resurrected? According to Scripture, there can be no forgiveness without the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). Christ had to bear the punishment for our sin in order for God to grant us forgiveness.

Every time you see a cross, remember what it really was – an instrument of execution. Then thank Jesus that He was willing to be crucified so the Father could forgive you of sin. Though the scene of your redemption was horrendous, Christ turned the cross into a place of great triumph. For more about Jesus and His gift of salvation: https://wordpicturesbydlink.wordpress.com/jesus/

Commentary by Charles Stanley, from the In Touch devotional, April 3, 2021. https://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions

An Illustration From Nature

In 1 Corinthians 15:36-49 Paul gives a description of resurrection bodies using an illustration from nature.  When a seed is planted in the ground it dies; decomposing, it ceases to exist in its seed form, but life comes from that seed (John 12:24).  Just as God gives a new body to that plant that rises from the dead seed, so He can give a resurrection body to a person who dies.

As there are vastly different bodies and forms in God’s created universe which are suited for all kinds of existence, so God can design a perfect body for resurrection life.

Commentary from The MacArthur Bible Commentary, by John MacArthur, 2005.

The Last Enemy

He demonstrated [this power] in the

Messiah by raising Him from the dead

and seating Him at His right hand

in the heavens-

far above every ruler and authority,

power and dominion,

and every title given,

not only in this age

but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 1:20-21

Everything exposed by the light is made clear,

for what makes everything clear

is light.

Therefore it is said:

Get up, sleeper,

and rise up from the dead,

and the Messiah will shine on you.

Ephesians 5:14