Learning to live by the indwelling life of Christ.
“To live is Christ” means there is nothing left for God to do. No greater work than the work already accomplished by your union with the cross. No further blessing than the blessing of Christ’s death. Nothing else to trust in, look for, commit to, or figure out. No gift, no sacrifice, no effort, no deed can add to the finished work of the cross of Christ. By the cross we stand justified, sanctified, glorified NOW. Our future is today. Our living is the cross of Christ. And our dying is gain.
“To live is Christ” means living in the full confidence that we will never be forsaken by the Father. He will never send us out. Never close the door. Never change his mind. Never turn away. Never leave us alone. Never.
“To live is Christ” is to embrace the truth that we are the thief on the cross, we are the soldiers pounding the nails. But those two nails are the forgiveness and eternal life of Jesus Christ.
“To live is Christ” IS our unity. His shared life in us. His love in each of us individually, and in us collectively. This is a unity that is empowered by a greater glory, a higher love, that drives us toward each other and the world. Never away. Never apart. Never alone. Never ashamed.
“To live is Christ” means our lives are joined to the conquering, victorious, Savior-King of our souls. Jesus is exactly what we need. He’s not a boost to get us over the hump. He’s our overcomer! Which means winning only comes when we first admit that we are losers. Victory only comes when we are overcome by his grace. And conquering is only by a cross.
“To live is Christ” means there is no greater joy than to be loved and to love. To be elevated so high by the love of the Father, that it frees you to lower yourself for the sake of others. And thus live as the friends of Christ.
