Easter: The Losses
As a follower of this devotional blog, you will probably hear a good Easter sermon. It’s likely you will hear about the gains of Easter. That’s a good thing. We gained much in Christ’s victory over death. But what did you lose? Do you think about those things? I think we should – because knowing some things are lost should empower us for more effective life and service!
This short list is not exhaustive and it doesn’t come in any kind of priority order. I share it to spark your own discovery. If you spend a little time reading and reflecting, you add to this list for yourself. And it might help someone else if you shared your discoveries in the comments section below. Here we go…
Condemnation
According to Romans 8:1, those in Christ have lost any connection to condemnation! Notice:
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
The victory Christ won is once-and-for-all. Christ took our sin from us (permanently) and replaced it (permanently) with His righteousness. We have passed from judgment into life.
Fear
This is a well-used tool of the enemy. We know exactly where it comes from. But there is no need to give in to fear. In Christ, according to II Timothy 1:7, fear is something we have lost!
For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
Knowing that and acting like it is true can be two different things. That’s one reason to understand what we lost at Easter. Since we are free from fear, that means we are free to act boldy, pray boldy, and speak boldly. Those things also in His Word.
Imperfection
You are perfect? This was one of my life-changing realizations. Two questions set this up:
- Is there imperfection in Heaven?
- Are you ready for heaven, right now?
Respectively, the answers are No and Yes. You don’t have to take my word that you are ready for Heaven (i.e., perfect!). See it in II Corinthians 5:
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
If we are absent from our body (dead) then we are present with Christ. By implication you and I are considered perfect right now. That is our position in Christ. Yes, we struggle with sin comprar kamagra. And the fulfillment of salvation will rescue us from that. Even so, right now we are (present tense) seated with Christ in heaven! [Can’t resist a note to married folks – your believing spouse is…perfect already – 🙂 ]
Other Losses
Now, to spur you own discovery, here are some references without comment:
- Old Culture, Status, Standing – …there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.
- Gender – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
- Anxiety – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Now, see what you can add to this list of ‘Easter Losses’ – and please share what you find!
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