Victory In Jesus!

“The victory lies not with us, but with Christ, who has taken on Him both to conquer for us and to conquer in us.” – Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed

After Jesus Christ resurrected, the new church was quick to expand. Jesus’ new followers, called Christians, were on the mission of spreading the Good News: Jesus has victory over death! The new Christian greeting to each other reflected this truth.

When Christians met, one would say: “He is risen.” Another would respond: “He is risen, indeed!” Today, that exchange is often repeated by pastor and congregation in church services throughout the world. What a beautiful public acknowledgment demonstrating we believe in the hope Jesus promises.

The worship song “Forever”, by Kari Jobe, offers a beautiful reminder of this truth: “forever He is glorified, forever He is lifted high, forever He is risen, He is alive, He is alive “.

Believers, if doubt and frustration ever begins to take you away from the truth of Jesus, stay focused on Jesus. Remember all He endured for us. Don’t allow evil thoughts to overturn the victory of the truth of Jesus’ crucifixion. On that Good Friday Jesus endured beatings, whippings, mocking, and piercings…all of which paid the final price for sin. Now He sits eternal at the Father’s right hand, the highest place of honor.

HEBREWS 12:2-3 …fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

The torment and humiliation Jesus suffered was not selfishly endured so that He could sit royally on the eternal throne. No! The Son of God experienced pain and tribulation so that when mankind calls out to Him, He is able to say – I understand your suffering. I am with you. I understand physical and emotional distress. I went through it. I can help you through any hardship.

Christ’s mission here on earth was fulfilled as He offered Himself as the once-and-for-all sacrifice for our sin. No more animal sacrifices are necessary before God, as was the Jewish custom in Jesus’ day. God accepted Jesus’ suffering as final payment for the sins of mankind; offering victory in Jesus!

That victory was won because after the suffering was over, His earthly body “finished,” death had no hold on Jesus because Jesus is God! Jesus arose from the dead!

He has risen, indeed! On the first day of the week after Jesus was crucified, Mary Magdalene and the apostles Peter and John went to Jesus’ burial tomb. There they found the stone rolled away.

JOHN 20:3-10 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

For those who believe in the victory of Jesus, we too will one day overcome death. And on that day, we too will be risen indeed!

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?

Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com.

“God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen.”

Blessings to you as you receive redemption through Jesus.

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