- Jun 29, 2019
- 650
- 168
- 60
- Country
- United States
- Faith
- Christian
- Marital Status
- Married
2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “and [Jesus] died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” What is living for Lord Jesus but living in a way that includes what he upholds and how he wants us to act?
He gave us two great commandments...that we love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and we love our neighbor as we love ourselves. In terms of 2 Corinthians 5:15 this is living for Lord Jesus. And if we abide by his two commandments, we stand a better chance of dwelling in the House of the Lord forever and finding our treasures there.
But in a sense, if we live for Jesus, are we not living for ourselves as well? For our stake in living for Jesus is the wondrous things that the Lord has promised us. If we love our neighbor by helping the poor and needy, are we not also helping ourselves toward gaining entry to God’s House? Do we not better ourselves with each poor and needy person we help? Do we not better ourselves by praying for others, including those who have sinned short of leading to death?
To that last point, 1 John 5:16 says “If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.” Commentators have asserted that “the sin which leads to death” is the denial of the Doctrine of Christ after being made aware of it. It can be said that those who deny that Doctrine after having fully learned its meaning and intent have already embarked on the long green mile to hell, subject only to God’s Grace.
When we live for Lord Jesus, we can also be living for ourselves to the extent of our love for him. The distinction is that living for him is the first priority which leads to living for ourselves through him. Therein is the circular reasoning of sorts.
He gave us two great commandments...that we love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and we love our neighbor as we love ourselves. In terms of 2 Corinthians 5:15 this is living for Lord Jesus. And if we abide by his two commandments, we stand a better chance of dwelling in the House of the Lord forever and finding our treasures there.
But in a sense, if we live for Jesus, are we not living for ourselves as well? For our stake in living for Jesus is the wondrous things that the Lord has promised us. If we love our neighbor by helping the poor and needy, are we not also helping ourselves toward gaining entry to God’s House? Do we not better ourselves with each poor and needy person we help? Do we not better ourselves by praying for others, including those who have sinned short of leading to death?
To that last point, 1 John 5:16 says “If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.” Commentators have asserted that “the sin which leads to death” is the denial of the Doctrine of Christ after being made aware of it. It can be said that those who deny that Doctrine after having fully learned its meaning and intent have already embarked on the long green mile to hell, subject only to God’s Grace.
When we live for Lord Jesus, we can also be living for ourselves to the extent of our love for him. The distinction is that living for him is the first priority which leads to living for ourselves through him. Therein is the circular reasoning of sorts.
