Walking Worthy of the Vocation Wherewith We Are Called - Part 703

Jesus said, "I am come that they - [you and I] might have life, and that they [you and I] might have it -- life -- more abundantly." (John 10:10) Therefore, beloved, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (I Corinthians 15:58)


Why? Because the battle has already been won. Death and sin were overcome once and for all when Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross of Calvary.  Death was conquered when He who was incorruptible willingly put on corruption. At that moment, when the veil was rent from top to bottom, "Death [was] swallowed up in victory" (I Corinthians 15:55-57) The same promise applies to sickness and disease. "By His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

In I Corinthians chapter fifteen, we also learn that "the first man is of the earth [and therefore] earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven." The same heavenly Father who created the world and all its inhabitants in the beginning, including you and I, willingly became flesh -- as one of us -- so that you and I might have life more abundantly. Life as it was intended in the beginning. Free in His grace. Cuddled in His arms. Victorious because of His love for His creation.

Jesus said, "All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. By Me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have life more abundantly."  (John 10:8-10)

This is the victory that we have in Jesus. "Thou hast ascended on high. Thou hast led captivity captive. Thou hast received gifts for men, yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them." (Psalms 68:16) In the New Testament, the same message was delivered to the Ephesians. The scripture therein states: "When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Ephesians 4:8-9) 

"O death then, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:55-57) Trust our Lord God and Saviour today. Ask Jesus into your heart. Read His Word daily. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Take hold of His promises. Stand in the offering plate.