There are at least five reasons Jesus voluntarily endured unbelievable suffering on a wooden cross for us. They are all based on His unbelievable love for people, and His desire to share His abundant life with us for eternity.
Take a look at five of the benefits we freely receive .
His Death Grants Admission into Paradise (again):
Because Jesus died on the cross we have re-inherited Paradise!
And Jesus said unto him, “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43).”
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).
His Death Grants Immortality to All Believers:
Because Christ shed His blood for us we are delivered from death (mortality) and have received eternal life (immortality)! “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:53).
His Death Grants Reconciliation to God:
“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10).
“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled” (Colossians 1:21).
His Death Grants Deliverance from Satan’s Power:
According to Acts 26:18, Paul was sent to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son “Colossians 1:13”. “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness “(1 Thessalonians 5:5).
His Death Grants Deliverance from the Power of Death
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil (Hebrews 2:14).
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).
How to Express Appreciation for Christ’s Sacrifice:
Taking Communion Commemorates Christ’s Sacrifice. It is also a special time of fellowship with God. Matthew Henry says, when we take communion “that is to eat of the feast is to partake of the sacrifice, and so to be his guests to whom the sacrifice was offered, and this in token of friendship with him. Thus to partake of the Lord’s table is to profess ourselves his guests and covenant people. This is the very purpose and intention of this symbolical eating and drinking; it is holding communion with God, and partaking of those privileges, and professing ourselves under those obligations, which result from the death and sacrifice of Christ.”
In 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, Paul referencing Christ, says, “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Notice he said “as oft as ye drink,” meaning we have permission to take communion/proclaim the Lords death (1 Corinthians 11:26) as often as we want or need to. When we proclaim the Lord’s death we proclaim victory over every sin and evil work of the enemy. Remember Jesus said,” The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18).
The Prophet Isaiah reminds us that, Jesus was “Wounded for our transgressions, that He was bruised for our iniquities and the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
It is time for you to begin experiencing the benefits of Christ’s suffering and death by taking communion on a regular basis. It is time to walk in victory because the prince (Satan) of the world has been cast out (John 12:31).
Join me as I Proclaim the Lord’s death by taking communion on a regular basis.
Principles Magazine 