THREE Things Jesus Did to Save Us-2

1. JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD FOR ME. Of course Jesus’ death for us is essential! But, just 13 chapters after writing, “I decided that I would speak only of Jesus Christ and his death on the cross,” (1Corinthians 2:2, TLB), Paul says the Cross would save none of us if Jesus had not done more! “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.” (1Corinthians 15:17, HCSB). Clearly, dying for us was not enough even though it feels like heresy to say it! If I had named this blog entry, “The Cross Is Not Enough!” many of you wouldn’t have opened it. But, that’s exactly what the inspired author of most of the New Testament said! Yes, firstly, Jesus died to save me from the penalty of my sins. But, secondly, Jesus rose from the grave to save me from the physical presence of sin! “Sin pays its wage—death; but God's free gift is eternal life.” (Romans 6:23, GNT).

Waxing philosophical at our Memorial Day family deck picnic, we reminisced to see which earlier era of our lives we’d rather live in. Our consensus was that right now is best—except that we’ve aged! Living on a sin-infected planet that deteriorates means our bodies do, too. But, Jesus not only died for me, He rose for me! Jesus’ speared and lacerated body emerged from the tomb never to die again! He broke the bonds of death for Himself and me, too! It’s unlikely my neuropathic (numb) feet will cross any more finish lines or earn me even more tees for my earthly closet. But, because Jesus arose with an immortal body, I know I’ll get mine! “But we must each wait our turn. Christ was the first to be raised to life, and his people will be raised to life when he returns.” (1Corinthians 15:23, CEV)

Firstly, Jesus died to save me from the penalty of my sins. Secondly, Jesus rose from the grave to save me from the physical presence of sin! His resurrection was a wondrous thing Jesus did to save me from an eternity of Doctor’s visits and Emergency Department admissions! Unfortunately, even at Easter time, most churches focus on Christ’s historical resurrection without recognizing it as the second of three things Jesus did to save us!

How would inspectors rate an acute care hospital whose Emergency Medical Service treated a Code Blue coronary patient by (1) administering high-powered resuscitation drugs and (2) chest compressions, but neglected to (3) intubate and bag the patient in order to restore respiration? Most Christian witnesses tell prospective believers about only the first thing Jesus did to save us! A few will open the Bible’s first and second elements of the Gospel. But, almost no one “Tells the whole truth and nothing but!” The Apostle who emphasizes (1) Christ’s death for us and also (2) His resurrection thoroughly lays out a third essential thing Jesus did to save us!

Several of you anticipated the Second essential for our Salvation. Look for Part Three to be posted next Monday.

Your friend, Dave