First Importance

It is in crisis we search for an open door trying to see deeper into life and its purposes. My friends I have become aware of certain things through my personal crisis. First, there is an eternal God, Who is Sovereign, Who controls all events in life. Next, I have become more alert to the influence of sin which shows me my need for a Savior, Who forgives and teaches how to walk in light.

Beloved, in crisis you too, can discover a wonderful Savior. You can find what He has done for you. I did! Graciously, the Lord opened my eyes. I stand amazed! I owe a huge debt to my Lord who submitted Himself to a torturous death to die for my sins. My friends consider first the preciousness of these words.

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. (1).”

I pass on to you what God has shown me.  Christ died for the sins of the world. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (2)

Do you know that until you receive Christ you are dead in your trespasses and sins? Dead! Lifeless! Spiritually separated from God! Our natural response is to indulge in our desires, fleshly desires – the innate sin wants its control over us. God is holy and His judgment falls on all sin.  However, I have great news: God saves people! This is why Christ came, to provide a remedy for sin in setting us at a right standing with God the Father. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved (3).”

In our flesh we are prone to depart from God’s ways to follow a path of sinful ways. It is a sign of rebellion against a holy, loving God. In the carnal flesh we can become weakened and fall into temptation but faith holds us in its grip keeping us from sin. Thus, faith cannot be taken away from us if we are dependent on God’s grace and mercy.

The Lord saves – then He adds continual blessings, far beyond what is deserved. This is His grace on display.

Christ died for us so we can live fully. Satisfied! Purposefully! He’s given us eternal hope. The hope of glory! Allow the reality of all He’s done to color your life with vitality. Think about the sacrifice of love poured out for you. He loved you even unto death. Death on a cross! Then He rose from the grave. Christ is risen! We too have risen with Him over the power of sin by His shed blood. Consider what great price was paid for your sins. Stand amazed!

My sweet friends there is absolutely nothing we can do to save ourselves. In a contrite spirit we can only humbly cast ourselves on God’s great mercy, by seeking forgiveness for our sins. Through grace in Jesus, He graciously pardons sin and makes us new again. I’m thankful God received my pardon of sins to obtain salvation. Perhaps you too have been enlightened. Come to the Father and pray with me.

Lord, I am foolish when I seek my own pleasures outside of your love, protection where by I am safe. I’ve fallen short of your glory. I confess the inability to keep your sacred statues, apart from You. It is only through the power of Jesus I am set free. I come seeking your grace, by faith, through forgiveness of sins by Christ atonement. Thank you for the sacrifice You paid for my sins. I praise You for how You’ve covered them to set me free.  Your bring me in right standing with God the Father, thank You. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Footnotes:
1. 1 Corinthians 13:3-4 (niv worship)
2. John 3:16 (nas)
3. Ephesians 2:4-5 (niv)