(Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible)
1 Peter 3:18 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.
In the beginning of this verse, we see that Christ suffered once for sins. Jesus understands suffering, and He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. When you face suffering or struggle with temptation, bring your concerns to Him and ask Him for strength to remain faithful.
When Jesus suffered on the cross for your sins, He offered Himself once for all. His sacrifice was complete and sufficient to pay the penalty for sin. You do not need to add to His finished work or earn God’s forgiveness through your own efforts.
Jesus is the Righteous One. He lived a sinless life and always did what was right. Yet He suffered for the unrighteous. He took the punishment our sins deserved so that we could be forgiven and reconciled to God.
Jesus did this to bring you to God. God is perfectly holy, and our sin separates us from Him. But through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, those who put their faith in Him can be forgiven and brought into a relationship with God. Jesus is our mediator, the One through whom we have access to the Father.
Peter then says that Christ was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit. This refers to Christ’s death and resurrection. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death and secured our hope of eternal life. When you put your faith in Christ, you receive new life in Him, and the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in you. The Holy Spirit teaches you, guides you and empowers you to walk in righteousness.
Take a moment and thank God for what He has done for you. Jesus, the Righteous One, suffered once for sins to bring you to God. Trust in His finished work and depend on the Holy Spirit to help you live in a way that honors Him. ~ Jeff M Newman
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Observe Jesus’ Commands
Receive the Holy Spirit. Proclaim the message of God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus.
John 20:21-23 Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” 22 When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.”
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Lesson 54 - 1 John 2:20...and all of you know the truth.
Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.
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