2 Corinthians 5:14 (NKJV) 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;
This is a great example of a verse where the depth of it can easily be missed if we fail to take the time to dig in and get understanding.
Paul states that the love of Christ compels him (and others), which is very straight forward.
The love that Christ exhibited by choosing to allow Himself to be crucified for each of us obligates us to share the truth of God’s love and the salvation found in Christ with others.
He then states, at the end of that verse (14), “because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died”.
If we fail to pay attention, we will breeze right past this part of verse 14, especially when we realize that it might take a few minutes’ worth of digging to get to its true meaning.
But let us look at it right now, so we understand what Paul is referring to.
Paul stated that One died for all, referring to Christ sacrificing His life for all of humanity.
Next, he states “then all died”.
This may seem confusing to some, so let us look more closely.
Based on the phrase, One died for all, the phrase “all died” is referring to all who place their faith in Christ symbolically dying and being raised to new life in Him.
Further, and just as importantly, it points to us dying to ourselves if we have chosen to follow Him.
Dying to ourselves is not a popular topic. Dying to ourselves requires a sacrifice on our part that many are not willing to make.
If we struggle with this, then we must seriously consider the price that Christ paid as payment for our own sins.
He paid the ultimate price. So, is it too much to ask that we also make sacrifices in our own lives?
Paul later penned these words, reinforcing the idea that we be willing to “put our money where our mouth is” and glorify God with our bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:20 (NKJV) 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
And, lastly, he encourages believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices.
The question we need to ask ourselves is “will we?”
Will we take the necessary steps to sacrifice our preferences and put Him before our own wants?
Romans 12:1 (NKJV) 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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Greetings in the name of Jesus! 