Learning to live by the indwelling life of Christ.
“To live is Christ” is hope, faith, and love, with love as the end of all things. Our hope and faith in Christ become Christ’s love in us and through us. And this is the only thing that counts now. Not your works, not your performance, not your religious rituals, disciplines, or deeds. Just fully trusting Christ to the point where you are free to love as he has loved you.
So are you experiencing the power of Christ by the Holy Spirit? Are you patient in hope, worshiping from faith, and laboring in love for others? Only the gospel can empower such living. Only our union with Christ can provide the hope needed for this kind of power. Resurrection power. The power of “to live is Christ.”
“To live is Christ” means that exile is God’s plan for us. But it is not his final plan. Living in the presence of Christ in his eternal city is our future and our hope. And for now, trusting that Christ lives in us as we live in exile.
“To live is Christ” is our living hope. May all lesser hopes point our hearts to the ultimate hope of our future with Jesus, and with the Father. With the eternal love and glory of the Trinity. And may our living hope change how we live today. Free from manufacturing a dying hope from the present moment. And free to live our sorrowful today as if it is our glorious tomorrow.
“To live is Christ” means this life changing faith is possible. The God of hope wants you to abound in hope. He wants you to experience joy and peace. And so do I. What’s stopping you?
“To live is Christ” means we are justified by God’s grace. Which in turn means we have peace with God, access into grace, the hope of glory, and even joy in suffering.
