Colossians 1:13 NKJV
History’s crowning moment occurred when ‘…Christ died for the ungodly’ (Romans 5:6). He didn’t just die for His friends and supporters; He died for people who despised Him. It was no quid-pro-quo deal where Jesus said: ‘I’ll accept you if you accept me.’ No, it was a selfless, one-sided act of love. No conditions, nothing demanded in return. As a result, God ‘delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the dear Son.’ Selah! Stop and meditate on these advantages you enjoy through Jesus’ blood: 1) You’ve been delivered. The Greek word Paul used means to literally rescue by drawing us to Him. Your deliverance was a deeply personal event to Jesus. By His shed blood He drew you to Himself. The distance sin had put between you and God was reversed and you were ‘…accepted in the beloved’ (Ephesians 1:6). 2) You’ve been freed from the power of darkness. That ‘power’ is satan’s tyranny over those living under his control. Christ’s blood liberated you from the darkness, ignorance and blindness satan uses to deceive and manipulate you. 3) You’ve been translated into the kingdom of God’s son. The word ‘translated’ implies being transferred from one place to another. In Paul’s day superpowers like Rome would annex other nations and make them part of Roman territory. Often the conquered were better off under Rome, enjoying such privileges as safety, food, mail service, travel protection, etc. Christ’s blood transferred you into His kingdom to enjoy these advantages: guaranteed protection, abundant provision for all your needs, full status of sonship, and unlimited access to His throne.
Written by Bob and Debby Gass
Soul Food: Matt 27:33-56; Ps 22; Is 53