Wednesday March 30, 2011

Read Daniel 12:1-3. 1 Corinthians 15

The death of death is a fascinating concept isn’t it? Death will cease to exist and mankind will be returned to an Eden like state.  On that final day of the resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:54 will be fully realised.

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"

But right here right now you and I live in the surety that death has no sting for us. The law has been fulfilled for us in Christ Jesus. His perfect record of obedience has been given to us or transferred to our account and we have been reckoned as righteous. The penalty for our sins has fallen on Jesus and the wrath of God has been emptied upon Him. By His stripes we are healed!  If nothing else let this truth fill you with joy and adoration and praise to God.

But read 1 John 3:21-22.

Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from Him anything we ask, because we obey His commands and do what pleases Him.

One effect of having death nullified here and now by the work of Christ  is  to be able to approach God with a pure and sincere heart. We can approach God confidently in our time of need, confident that He will grant us the grace we need to take another step. We can treat God as our loving heavenly Father. We can be assured that God looks upon us as He does His one and only Son Jesus and does not see our sins any more. They have been nailed to the cross! They have been forgiven! Read Hosea 14:1-4 (take in vs 4 a few hundred times) if you are not convinced.

The world should see you enjoying a deep and intimate relationship with God and a very fruitful prayer life. This is not a blank cheque, guaranteeing you a Ferrari and 5 storey mansion, but a promise that God will walk with you, listen to you, answer your prayers and draw near to you as you draw hear to Him.  This is a promise that God loves you and has opened His blessings to you right here and now. As believers in Christ Jesus our certain hope on the day of the resurrection impacts our life each and every step today.

Prayer:-

þ Spend time praising God for your salvation and for the hope you have in heaven. Pray for whatever is on your heart.