1 Jn 3:8b
…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (KJV)
"There is a great difference between realizing, 'On that cross He was crucified for me,' and 'On that cross I am crucified with Him.' The one aspect brings deliverance from sin's condemnation, the other from sin's power." - John Gregory Mantle
Greetings to all in the name of Christ our King. Beloved this week is has been determined by the Christian world to be the week of the passion of Christ that led up to the crucifixion of our Lord. The word passion means suffering. In particular when we speak of the passion of Christ, we are speaking of the things that he suffered or endured between the night of the last Supper and the crucifixion. I am of the mind that every believer should take the time to reflect upon what Christ has done on our behalf and why it was done.
The reality is that since Adam sinned in the garden of Eden, humanity has been in the throes of death and condemnation. The purpose of Christ's suffering was to heal us of the sickness of sin and afflictions that griped our souls. The sufferings of Christ were accomplished to release us from the power and bondage to sin and Satan. Were it not for the sufferings of Christ we would not be free from the works of the Devil in all of its aberrant and deviant forms. Satan's greatest desire is to cause humanity to remain in rebellion against God so that we are unable to enjoy the blessings of eternal life with our Father God.
It is important to know that every disease, every affliction, every infirmity known to humanity finds its roots in the sin nature of mankind. The only remedy for deliverance from these Satanic strongholds is to be found in the completed work of Christ.
Isa 53:4-5
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (KJV)
