How Christ's Finished Work Enables Us to Work for Him Excellently

 Pixabay

The Lord Jesus Christ gave us the mandate to go and preach the gospel into all the nations of the world. This mandate teaches us to preach the gospel in every way we can, be it in word, deed, or life.

However, many Christians fail to do this because they think they are powerless and unable to do so. Of course, Christ will not command us to do something that He will not empower us to do. We are empowered to do so.

How?

By leaning in His finished work.

'It Is Finished'

John 19:28-30 tells us the account of how Jesus declared that His work is done.

"Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture, he said, "I am thirsty."

A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!"

Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Christ came to die to fulfill God's plan of salvation for all men, and to destroy the works of the devil (see John 10:10, 6:38-40; 1 John 3:8).

Knowing that He has succeeded in doing what He was sent to do, Christ declared "it is finished."

At His death, Christ disarmed the enemy, having nailed the record of charges that were against us (see Colossians 2:15).

With our sins forgiven and erased through His shed blood, we have been given the opportunity to live our lives for Him without the guilt and condemnation that our past sins bring.

'Therefore Go...'

Prior to His ascension, Christ said, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (see Matthew 28:18-20)

Christ humbled Himself and died a gruesome death on the cross, in obedience to God's will to save us. Because of this, God elevated Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, the only name by which all men can be saved (see Philippians 2:7-11; Acts 4:12).

Christ was given all authority in heaven and on earth, and with this authority He has commissioned us to preach the gospel into all nations with all that we have (see Mark 16:15).

Christ's finished work enables us to work for Him excellently because He has freed us from the sin that entangled us, liberated us from the chains that held us in bondage, given us the grace to say "no" so sin, and has given us the purpose that we Christians should all live for – Himself (see Luke 4:18-19; Titus 2:11-12; 2 Corinthians 5:15).

We now live from a standpoint of victory, because He has seated us with Him in the heavenly realms (see Ephesians 2:4-6).

News
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight

The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has come under pressure over her handling of past safeguarding cases. 

Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial

A leading figure among conservative evangelical Anglicans will not stand trial for alleged abuse, it has emerged.

Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings
Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings

The Church of England's House of Bishops has postponed a final decision on the Living in Love and Faith process as it continues to work on proposals. 

Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas
Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas

Anna Hawken, Parenting for Faith from BRF Ministries, has some helpful tips for families to connect with God in the midst of the "December tornado".