Colossians 1:11

Colossians 1:11

“…Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy…”

 When I think of why Jesus died I have to consciously decide to go beyond the obvious “for our sins” answer. While that isn’t wrong, there is so much more to why He died. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus we have been promised an inheritance in Heaven. Romans 8:14-17 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the bondage again to fear, but you received the spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” I am blown away by what being in Christ means in our life. Through His power we can walk in a way that is worthy of the gospel, pleasing to the Lord. This is not possible through works and sacrifices but through the condition of our heart. Psalm 51 tells us that God does not desire that we would sacrifice but that we would run to Him in our brokenness. Abraham sacrificed but we are told that his faith was accounted to him for righteousness, not how religiously he obeyed the law. Throughout the whole Bible the truth that we cannot please God in our own power is so clear, it has to be a work of God in our hearts. Despite our sin, we are given the privilege of having a personal relationship with our Creator through Jesus. Exodus 6:7 tells us that God desires for His people to know that He alone is their God, the One who rescued them from bondage to lead them to the promised land. According to Ephesians 1:19-20, we also get to live in the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. It was not possible that death should hold Jesus in the grave (Acts 2:24) because God’s plan for life was always going to win. Because we know who wins, we endure trials with joy. The seasons of waiting can be patiently endured because we know that He who promised us an inheritance with Christ is faithful.