THE CONSEQUENCE OF CHRIST

Jesus Christ while on his earthly ministry made it repeatedly clear to all who cared to listen that accepting and following him had grave implications of costs. These bordered on the personal life of the person accepting him and his relationship with others. He spoke of death using different metaphors at different occasions. A death that severs one from every of his comfort, will relationships, ambitions etc. that is at variance with God’s purpose. Consider these scriptures for example:
Luke 9:23-24, 57-62, 14:25-33.

I have chosen in this text, to make a few comments, not about Jesus’ statements but about simplified summaries of his apostles.

(2 Corinthians 5:15 KJV)
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

He went to the cross to secure our lives so that we will no longer live for ourselves but for him. He wants to detect the purpose for our lives, our visions and ambitions. He wants us to live for his pleasure; whatever it pleases him to do with our lives, even if it is at our discomfort, that shall be our most holy occupation; we will no longer have the freedom and independence of thought and aspirations that other humans have. Such is the demand of Christ on our lives.

(2 Timothy 2:19 KJV)
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

He went to the cross to separate us from our sins. He detests sins no matter who commits them. He requires that everyone who accepts him departs from all forms of sin. Sin is not to be toyed with. It matters even if it looks insignificant; even if one can escape without being noticed. It is grave before him. He requires absolute purity of thought, motive and action. Such is the demand of Christ on our lives.

(Acts 15:19-20 KJV)
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

He went to the cross to secure our absolute devotion. He requires that we abstain from the pollution of idols. Accepting him means we will no longer share our heart – its affection, its worship, its trust, its allegiance and its association – with any idol whether it be a god, a demon, a man or a thing (material or spiritual). He requires a love that is unrivalled and has no rival. Such is the demand of Christ on our lives.

This generation, however, does not seem to have appreciated the import of Jesus’ words. Somehow we seem to feel it is possible to accept Christ and ignore the costs. How be it?

Are you willing to give your all to him who loved you and gave his all for you?