Why did Christ die for us? How do I know this is the Holy Spirit? These were questions I once struggled to understand, and today, we get some answers.
The goal of this series is to share scriptures with explanations that help give us answers to questions of Christianity, and to also share scriptures we need to cling to when we struggle. For further clarity, I have shared some scriptures that cross-reference well with the selected verses. I encourage you to look them up if you would like more understanding.
(NKJV) Romans 5:08, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.“
This scripture is wonderful to start with when we begin to explain the Gospel. It poses questions like, “Why did He die while we were a sinner?” Or, “How is this love?”
My husband and I have been talking about how we cannot atone for our own sins. There is nothing we can do to cleanse ourselves. We need the righteousness of Jesus to cleanse us and atone for our sin. We see His atonement on the cross. He died for us, while we were still sinners. God will have no part with sin, and out of His love, He sent a Savior to die in our place, to take our punishment of God’s wrath, and to then transform us from the inside out. What greater love is to lay down one’s life for his friends? (Psalm 5:04-05, John 5:13)
(NKJV) Ephesians 2:08-10, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.“
Many times I have shared Ephesians 2:10, that we are created for good works, but it’s necessary to understand where those good works come from. If we do anything righteous, that righteousness is attributed to Christ, not us. We are to walk in the way of the Spirit (Galatians 5:24-25). But we can only do this after receiving the atonement sacrifice from Jesus Christ, being cleansed by His bloodshed. As the first verse shows us, this is truly a gift of grace. He died while we were still sinners. Sanctification can only being to happen after we have been set free (redeemed).
(NKJV) John 16:08, “ And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” (Christ speaking of the Holy Spirit.)
This scripture is so important to memorize and understand. Many people wonder, I certainly used to, what is the role of the Holy Spirit? How do I know if something is of the Holy Spirit? Jesus tells us the answer right here.
The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and the judgment to come. Memorize this first. But the following verses (9-14) help give clarity. He convicts of sin because people do not believe Christ. He convicts of righteousness because when Christ went to be with the Father, Christians were sent the Holy Spirit to guide them, just like Christ did when He walked this earth. The Holy Spirit helped the apostles understand the teachings of Jesus, when before they did not. He convicts of judgment because Satan has been condemned. Scripture tells us elsewhere that those who practice sin are like the devil. (1 John 3:08) The Holy Spirit instructs us of Christ and what Christ taught. He guides, convicts, and warns, following the example of Christ. If we are unsure something is of the Holy Spirit, we need to look at scripture and what Christ teaches us. We have the assurance scripture will give us the wisdom. (Verses 13-14 explain this).
(NKJV) Romans 3:10, “As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one.”
Why did Christ die for us while we were still a sinner? Answer: Because not one of us is righteous on our own. (For further clarity on why a loving God would kill His Son, please see link at bottom of post.)
(NKJV) 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.“
Whenever someone encourages you to listen for the Lord or to seek Him outside of scripture, keep these verses close to your heart in diligence. (Proverbs 4: 23) We are given absolutely everything we will ever need to know and to understand through the word of God. It is scripture that equips us for every good work, and remember, we were created for good works. How do we know what is of the Spirit? How do we know if something is a good work? Scripture.
Scripture is given to us by the Holy Spirit inspiring men, just like Jesus said. Scripture points us to sin, righteousness, and the judgment to come. It is the wisdom of life because it is about Christ and from Christ. (Proverbs 8:12-36, John 1:01, Revelation 3:14)
Let me know, are you familiar with any of the verses listed today? Are there cross references you believe connect to these scriptures? Why do you believe it’s important to turn to scripture? Share below!
Why would a loving God kill His Son? – Please See: Why Did A Loving God Kill His Son? (Does God Hate?)
Scripture To Memorize/Meditate On – (ESV) Romans 5:08, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Community Prayer – March ‘21
Get To Know Me & My Blog
Believer Handbook
Second Blog: Peeking Beneath
Inside Cup 