Integrity- People of God

Many followers of Christ understand that Jesus died on the cross so that their sins would be forgiven, so that they would be reconciled back into the family of God and have eternal life. But Jesus did far more than that through His life and death at the cross. Jesus not only purchased eternal life for us, but also alife of peace, health and wellbeing.

Jesus gave us a new life, a new way of living that we may livean abundant life on earth, when we operate in His kingdom principles. Jesus was Wounded to pay for our transgressionsand misbehavior; He was bruised for our iniquity and crimes against God; He was chastised in our stead that we may havepeace, and He received the stripes we deserved so that we are now able to have health and healing. 

Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. NKJ

God’s laws did not change, the wages of sin is death and the consequences of mankind’s transgression and misbehavior, are chastisement and unrest, sickness and disease.  Jesus came as a man and all these things He receive as the punishment that was due us for our rebellion and to settle the debt mankind owed to God for our disobedience. 

Now there are two systems in operation within this world. One is where fallen mankind is still operating under the oppression of Satan, choosing to follow their own thoughts and enticement, while being blinded by the enemy. The other is where mankind receives Jesus as their Lord and Savior, where He has paid for their sins and purchased for them a new life, new family and new kingdom. 

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Everyone has a will and everyone has the same choices, to accept Jesus or reject Jesus’ payment for their sin. If they choose to reject Him they must stand before God on their own to give an account for their actions, deeds, rebellion and sins. Mankind is bound to the one they obey. Whether it is to sin, and the satisfying of the desires of the flesh or obedient, fastened and connected by the Holy Spirit to the things of God.

Romans 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 

Jesus did much more than just die for our sins, though that alone would have been more than enough. He saved us from eternal destruction but He also came that we may have an abundant and prosperous life on earth. This is not to say that life will not have its challenges, difficulties and hard times, it will, because we live in a sinful world full of sinful people. But,our outlook and perspectives are different because we know God has a plan for us and we know in the end we will be victorious.  We too will go through the same difficulties as the world but God has provided a way of escape. He will give us a peace that the world will not understand, because we know how to operate in His kingdom ways and principles. 

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The stripes that were imposed on Jesus were the ones we warranted and deserved because of the rebellion and insubordination against God our Creator, Lord and King. Jesus took the sickness and disease that we deserved and instituted the Lord’s Supper. This is a new covenant with His blood that was shed to take away our sins and to restore health and healing to those who believe in the healing power of His blood. 

Matthew 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread,blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Jesus took on the wounds that our transgression, disobedience and misbehavior deserved. He was bruised for the iniquity, evil and injustices we committed. The penalties for our sins were paid by Jesus and we are no longer in sin debt to God.  Jesus was chastised, scolded and criticized, He took on this punishment, rebuke and the penalty we earned from our disobedience, so that we may live at peace with God and have peace on earth. 

Nehemiah 9: 31 Nevertheless in Your great mercy You did not utterly consume them nor forsake them; For You are God, gracious and merciful.

All the condemnation the world tries to place on us was laid on Jesus. When we come to God in Christ for His forgiveness we also receive His peace. Though our life choices do have consequences, God has provided a way of escape and will work those things out for our good and His glory.  We are not punished for our sins because Jesus has paid it all. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Romans 8:26-28 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.   Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

For all who by faith believe in Jesus as their Lord and King, God has given them the Holy Spirit to help them in their weaknesses. God knows our heart and mind and the Spirit of God intercedes for us that we may walk according to His will. Though our life choices may not be perfect, God knows how to take what the enemy meant to be evil against us and work it so that it can be used for the testament of God’s goodness, mercy and His glory. 

1 Peter 2:24-25 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.   For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin had left a crimson stain but He washed me white as snow.