There are two types of Christians out there. Those who believe that
salvation is all about booking a mansion in heaven and those who
understand that Christ died to restore our relationship with God.
The fear I have is that for a long time all we understand about the
death of Christ is embodied in one destiny; Heaven. Which actually
places us in an environment that doesn’t encourage growth, relationship
or actual devotion to God. You get saved and your slot in heaven is
secure.
But think with me for a moment. Isaiah 53 announces the death of Christ
in amazing detail. Verse 5 actually states “But he was pierced for our
transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that
brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Nowhere do we see the misleading idea that He died for us to go to
heaven. Christ died to bring us PEACE. He was wounded to give us
HEALING and was crushed because of our iniquities.
Going to heaven is just a portion of the whole thing. A very small
part- Isaiah tells us how God prepared for this well in advance- verses
10-12 state: “After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light
of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will
justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give
him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the
strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered
with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made
intercession for the transgressors.”
By Christ walking up Calvary’s hill, you were justified, he bore your
iniquities that you may not bare them, He interceded on your behalf.
Not only that you could go to heaven, but to make you an heir with Him.
Redeem you from the title sinner- to Son.
Next time you see the cross; don’t think of it as your assurance of heaven, BUT YOUR ASSURANCE OF SONSHIP.
courtesy of Gentleman's worship
http://www.gentlamansworship.com/
