02/03/2019
Jesus paid the price for us on the cross. It was there that He announced “It is finished” and in so doing proclaimed our debt of sin as having been paid. He had completed what He had come to do; He had done the will of God in this matter, but now we owe Him our lives. To Him we must honor a life debt, and live for Him.
“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ESV
Jesus paid every debt of sin that stood between ourselves and eternal life, and because of that some Christians act as if they are free to do as they please, but that is not the case, we are obligated to be led by the spirit of God; to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. By so doing we accept the gift that has been extended to us... the grace of God.
“So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
Romans 8:12-14 ESV
“Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24 ESV
How are we living our lives? Are we picking up our crosses and following Jesus, or just hanging His cross on our walls and around our necks as we proclaim ourselves debt free? Are we obliged to live as He lived, or did He free us so that we could continue living lives of sin with no obligation, or recourse? Most assuredly we have an obligation that comes with our salvation... we have a life debt to pay.
You have undoubtedly read a book, or watched a movie in which one man saved another’s life, and as a result the saved man owed his savior his life. This is called a “life debt”, and its origins are so old that its beginning can’t be discerned. Reread our previous scripture 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 in this context. Then read these two scriptures as you understand what Jesus did that has saved your life...
“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
John 19:30 ESV
“by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”
Colossians 2:14 ESV
The apostles picked up the cross of Jesus, and in the end they each (with the exception of John) died as martyrs for having done so. They were prepared to repay the life debt they owed Jesus, but not out of obligation, but love. Through the centuries, most Christians have not been called to martyrdom, but we each are called to pick up our cross and follow Him. You can call this a life debt, or anything else you please, but it is expected of us, and is the fulfillment of our faith.
Are you living for Jesus, and being led by the Spirit of God? Where is your cross today; is it on your wall at home, hanging around your neck on a gold chain, or is it resting in your shoulders as you follow Jesus? It is time to decide how you will go forward... how you will honor the Cross.
Pray:
Father, thank you for the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you Holy Father for His obedience to your will, and the life He laid down that I might live. Thank you Merciful Lord for the grace that flows through Him and brings me forgiveness for my sins. Help me Holy Father as I listen to your Spirit as it leads me on, and strengthen me as I shoulder my cross and follow Jesus. Open my eyes Father as well I acknowledge the debt I owe your Son, and the importance of honoring His sacrifice with my very life. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God, and perfect your Son Jesus who carried out your will; finishing what you had asked by giving His life on Calvary. Praised be your name Father, and as I move forward in faith with my cross on my shoulder let all glory be yours, and my voice of worship reach your ears forever. Let your grace through Christ, and my love and honor for you be sufficient Lord as my life debt is struck by you.
Rich Forbes