Unique Creation Lost
God created man in his own image as he desired of man (and woman) to be someone he could have fellowship with, someone who would know God as a friend and father and enjoy the presence.
God also gave man freedom and freewill at creation, to make their own choices to understand the difference between what is right and wrong.
The sin
He also ingrained “consciousness” which is a silent voice inside that reminds us that we are wrong when we make wrong choices. This is unique to mankind, but Adam and Eve failed to give heed to this mellow voice inside, and made wrong choices which separated them from the close fellowship of God. Sin first came into being in man and this became the gravitational force that keeps pulling man back from the truth, like gravity which keeps pulling everything back to earth. Sinful nature became natural as the world got corrupted with sin.
The natural gravitation
Sin by nature will try to pull humanity towards it, the farther you try to go from it, the stronger the pull could be. That is why Christian Life may at times seem harder than a life in sin without God. That is why you see very strong Christians sometimes fall back to sin, as sin seems natural. The prince of this world is Satan and sinful nature is an easy path to walk in this world.
The transformation
When you are in Christ, you are transformed into a new being, you repent of your sinful nature and make a willful decision to turn around from sinful desires and to adhere to holiness through Christ. Once you are in Christ the difference is like between a pig in mud vs a sheep that falls into mud. For the pig it is natural, it will not see anything wrong and in fact it will enjoy and roll in the mud, while for the sheep will cry out for help and try hard to get out of it.
Transformation made possible
God loved man even when he chose to disown him, even when he betrayed and disobeyed him. God sent his son, Lord Jesus Christ who gave his life on the cross to redeem his beloved creation “mankind” from the mud of sin and to give us eternal life. The difference was that he created us in his own image and likeness.
The cross
Jesus chose the cross which became the transformational and pivotal point for man, who now has a choice to come out of the muddy pit of sin. We can now counteract the natural gravitational pull of sin with the agape love of Jesus who bore the extreme pain on the cross to save us, and to open a pathway to eternal life and hope.
This is the “Ultimate Gift of God”, he loved us so much that he sent his son who was tortured by his own people, for no fault of his but for our sins. He was crucified on the cross, the most brutal and painful way to die – just because he loved us.
The victory
While the cross was a symbol of pain, death, and loss – Jesus transformed the cross into a pathway to healing, life and victory.
The good news is that Jesus rose up on the third day, and he lives and anyone who believes in him and chooses to turn around has their sins forgiven, and they can receive that gift of eternal life. Our lives are transformed from living in darkness of the nature of sin to the light, hope, peace and eternal life.
Not an Easy path
But remember this is not an easy path, as the pathway to hell is wide and broad, while the pathway to heaven is narrow and winding. But the good news is that he will be there by your side whatever may come, just trust in his might and power.
Become the light
Let’s live a life of gratitude and share the love of Christ with others who are still in darkness, living a life devoid of hope and peace. Each of us can be that candle that can light another candle that is not lit, because he is the light of this world, and knowing him we also have the light in us which he has given to us to freely share.
Let’s Pray…
Lord we thank you for the ultimate gift you gave to us because you loved us. Jesus we thank you for the cross, the pain and shame you took on yourself for our sins. Thank you for the saving grace that you granted to us through the ultimate sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of our sins, and to give us eternal life that we did not deserve.
May we become a vessel to share your love, showing the light to many others who are still living a life devoid of hope. Make us stronger to withstand the works of the enemy, trusting in your might and power so we can be victorious in all aspects of our lives.
May you Glory and the Power continue to empower us to rebuke the attractions of sin, so we may continue to be holy and acceptable in your sight.
Amen!
