THE CROSS (2): DIE TO LIVE
Christianity is the best possible way to live in order to avoid lameness. Surrender requires us to commit. Sometimes surrender seems uncertain and scary.
“I have come that [you] may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10 NIV).
Following Jesus’ way and words will free you to live a full life.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20 NLT).
We know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:9-11 NIV).
We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you (2 Corinthians 4:10-12 NIV).
Following Christ is not about following a predictable path. It’s about living a life that goes beyond expectations. Learning to die to ourselves is found when we sit at Jesus’ feet. We learn from Him how to live.
We weren’t just saved from something; we were saved to something.
We don’t just die; we die to live. Do you want a full life?
Bottom Line: The cross isn’t just where we come to die. The cross is where we come to live.