2nd.Corinthians 5:14-21 "For the love of CHRIST constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then we're all dead: and that HE died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto HIM which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known CHRIST after the flesh, yes now henceforth know we HIM no more. Therefore if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
And all things are of GOD, WHO hath reconciled us to HIMSELF by JESUS CHRIST, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that GOD was in CHRIST, reconciling the world unto HIMSELF, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the WORD of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for CHRIST, as though GOD did beseech you by us: we pray you in CHRIST's stead, be ye reconciled to GOD. For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us, WHO knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM."
"And that HE died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto HIM which died for them, and rose again" (v.15). We once lived unto ourselves and for ourselves. Our main purpose was to "please ourselves" (Romans 15:1 pictured above). We were very busy serving sin, self, and Satan: "For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed ?" (Romans 6:20-21). All of our unsaved life was squandered wasting our time on ourselves: "For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries" (1st.Peter 4:3).
Thankfully, GOD wonderfully intervenes: "For the grace of GOD that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11-12). If HE died for me, how can I not live for HIM ? HE rose again that I might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4), no longer duplicating my past sinful lifestyle. Pleasing myself and doing only what I want ought to be a thing of the past: "That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of GOD" (1st.Peter 4:2). If I were my own, I could live for myself, but I am not (1st.Corinthians 6:19-20 pictured above)."For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the LORD; and whether die, we die unto the LORD: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the LORD's" (Romans 14:7-8). At last, my life has purpose ! GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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