The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria Anglican Communion

The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 22 April 2019 – If Anyone Is In Christ

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TOPIC: If Anyone Is In Christ

READ: 2 Corinthians 5:9-17 King James Version (KJV)

9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

15 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.

16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

THE MESSAGE:

Today’s passage connects as a build-up to the message of resurrection. Verse 17 says: therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (ESV).

This passage brings to us the message of God’s grace, both as a privilege and a responsibility. It is a privilege because, being in Christ means total forgiveness and redemption from our sins. It means we no longer have to be afraid of the coming judgment over the rest of the world, because we have been justified through Christ (Acts 13:38 & 39).

But the grace of God also places a huge responsibility on us, the beneficiaries. A Christian who has been saved by grace, no longer lives to please himself or anyone else; he lives only to please God (verse 9). The utmost desire of the redeemed is to always bring pleasure to God’s heart.

Another responsibility that the grace of God places on us is that of persuading others (verse 11). A truly redeemed person is not contented with his own salvation alone; he pushes and labours at every opportunity, for the salvation of others. Furthermore, being in Christ means to be controlled by the love of Christ. Are you being controlled by this love?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your redeeming power at work in my life.