Christ Paid the Penalty
I noticed something interesting about Paul’s letters to the churches
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For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.
1 Peter 3:18 (ESV)
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…what I noticed?
He always begins by sharing an overview of the gospel.
What makes this interesting to me is that Paul is writing to people who have already accepted Christ as their Lord and savior. So, why would they need to hear the gospel again?
Indeed, why do we need to hear the gospel again?
Because we’re fickle … forgetful … sinful people.
It turns out that the advances in my Christian walk almost always come about by focusing on the gospel. Digging deeper into it. Spending more time with God and reflecting on His great grace for me.
In other words, I never graduate from Gospel 101.
I keep attending that class over and over and over again.
Each time it becomes a little more precious
… a little more beautiful
… a little more insightful.
And so, here we are looking at today’s verse from 1 Peter. It’s another overview of the gospel, this one focusing on the work of Christ in being the substitute sacrifice for our sins.
When I slow down and take the time to reflect on a Gospel 101 verse like this, I start playing the “movie” of the Gospel in my mind:
… the trek up Calvary
… the crucifixion
… Jesus’ death
… His burial
… and, of course, the resurrection.
Praise God! This “movie” has a happy ending.
And its sequels are continuing to be made, with each Gospel 101 work that you and I do for the Kingdom of God every day.
Pretty interesting if you ask me.
— Ricky Ketchum
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