So, what’s so ‘good’ about “Good Friday”? From what we read in the Bible, it seems it was anything but good. Some believe the word ‘good’ is derived from ‘holy’ (check it out here), which means, to be set apart. And if you think about it, that is exactly what happened. On that day, Jesus was set apart for us all as he willingly accepted the burden for all humanity. But that wasn’t the end; Christ not only died for us, He rose for us as well.
In my last post, The Perfect Plan – Part 1: He Died, I spoke of God unleashing his perfect three-part plan;
Easter: God’s Perfect Plan
Part 1. Christ Died For Us
Whilst we were still enemies, we received value with God’s favour
The blood of Christ gifts life to those who receive Him
The Spirit removes scales from our eyes revealing His truth
Part 2: Christ Rose For Us
Access Acquired
Jesus proved that he had conquered sin and death by rising again.
First, He paid the penalty for our sin with his perfect sacrifice. Then granted us access to the Father by leading the way through resurrection. But compared to God’s perfection and purity we are filthy and dressed in rags.
Jesus has dealt with the issue of Sin in the world, but each of us still struggles with the sin in our lives.
In this state, we are still sullied by imperfection when compared to God’s innate purity; that which is required to be in His presence.
There is no grading or levels of sin; abuse and murder are sins, but so too are lying and gossip. Each of us is still guilty of sin and marked by it.
Rags Removed
But because of Christ’s gift, we have the offer of new life in Him. When we abide in the Son, the Father looks at us and sees His perfect Son, not our imperfect selves. In effect, Jesus has removed our rags (impurity) unsuitable for the presence of God and given us robes of royalty (holiness).
We still struggle with our daily sin, but if we abide in Christ and strive to be more like Him, we will be seen by the Father in the Light of His Son.
Provisions Provided
Unfortunately, we can strive all we like but we will not gain any purchase if we do so in our own strength. For we can do nothing on our own; it is only the Holy Spirit moving in us that initiates and brings about the transformation that is required. If we, in genuine humility, submit to the Spirit’s ministrations we will be transformed to be like Christ.
When we allow the Spirit freedom in our lives He moulds us to be like Christ.
It is a fire that purifies and it is painful when those things we cling to are stripped away. Yet, the Spirit knows that if we are holding anything but Christ in our lives, we are not obedient heirs, we are not effective soldiers, nor are we suitable for Heaven.
The Holy Spirit does His work in light of the eternal, but he also equips us for the ‘Here and Now’.
God planned and purposed our return to His presence. Through Christ, we are acceptable and suitably attired. By the Spirit, we are trained and equipped to do what is required of us.
Reflection:
- Christ not only died on the cross, he rose again. What does that mean for you?
- Now we have access, a role and a responsibility. What does that look like for you?
