Transformative Peace and Eternal Life in Christ

 

Summary

In this message, I explore the profound truth of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of His sacrifice. The core message is that by believing in the One who sent Jesus, we have already passed from judgment into life. This is the most wonderful news, as it assures us that the final judgment holds no terror for those who are in Christ. The world, with all its chaos and doom, is under a curse, and humanity is inevitably part of this fallen state. However, through Christ's death on the cross, we are delivered from this present evil world and transferred into His eternal kingdom.

The second key point is the peace that Christ brings. This peace is not just an absence of conflict but a profound reconciliation with God. Through His sacrifice, Jesus has made peace between God and humanity, abolishing the enmity that existed due to sin. This peace is foundational, as it establishes a right relationship with God, allowing us to approach Him with confidence. Without this peace, our prayers and efforts to connect with God are hindered.

Furthermore, I discuss the enmity between God and humanity, highlighting that sin is the root cause of this separation. God, in His holiness, cannot tolerate sin, and humanity, in its natural state, is in rebellion against God. The cross of Christ is the solution to this enmity, as it satisfies God's justice while demonstrating His love. Through the cross, God remains just while justifying those who believe in Jesus.

Finally, this reconciliation leads to an inner peace within us. By understanding the depth of God's love and the completeness of His work on the cross, we find rest for our minds and hearts. This peace is not based on a superficial understanding of God's love but on the profound realization of His justice and mercy. It is a peace that answers all our questions and satisfies our deepest longings.

Key Takeaways:

- Eternal life is assured for those who believe in Jesus, as they have already passed from judgment into life. This truth liberates us from the fear of future judgment, knowing that Christ's sacrifice has secured our place in His kingdom. [26:28]

- The peace Christ offers is foundational, establishing a right relationship with God. This peace is achieved through His sacrifice, which reconciles us to God and allows us to approach Him with confidence. [30:38]

- Sin creates enmity between God and humanity, but the cross of Christ abolishes this enmity. Through His death, Jesus satisfies God's justice and demonstrates His love, making reconciliation possible. [34:22]

- The cross of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and justice. It vindicates His holy character while offering forgiveness to sinners, allowing God to be both just and the justifier of those who believe. [39:54]

- Inner peace is found through understanding the depth of God's love and the completeness of His work on the cross. This peace satisfies our minds and hearts, providing rest and assurance in our relationship with God. [45:20]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [25:58] - Passing from Judgment to Life
- [27:10] - The Present Evil World
- [28:37] - The Inescapable Reality
- [29:29] - Deliverance Through Christ
- [30:04] - Peace with God
- [31:17] - The Importance of Knowing God
- [33:14] - The State of Enmity
- [34:42] - God's Hatred of Sin
- [36:18] - Human Enmity Against God
- [38:03] - Making Peace Through the Cross
- [39:54] - God's Justice and Love
- [41:31] - The Transformative Power of the Cross
- [42:53] - Peace Within
- [45:20] - Rest and Assurance in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 5:24 - "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."
2. Colossians 1:20 - "and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
3. Romans 3:25-26 - "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."

Observation Questions:
1. According to John 5:24, what is the result of hearing Jesus' words and believing in the One who sent Him? How does this relate to the concept of passing from judgment into life? [25:58]
2. In Colossians 1:20, what does it mean that peace is made through the blood of the cross? How is this peace different from a mere absence of conflict? [30:04]
3. How does Romans 3:25-26 describe the way God remains just while justifying those who believe in Jesus? What role does the cross play in this process? [39:54]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the assurance of eternal life in John 5:24 impact a believer's perspective on future judgment? What does it mean to have already passed from judgment into life? [26:28]
2. What does it mean to have peace with God according to Colossians 1:20? How does this peace affect a believer's relationship with God and their confidence in approaching Him? [30:38]
3. In Romans 3:25-26, how does the cross demonstrate both God's justice and love? Why is it important for God to be both just and the justifier? [39:54]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the assurance of eternal life. How does knowing you have passed from judgment into life change the way you live daily? Are there fears or anxieties about the future that you need to surrender to God? [26:28]
2. Consider the peace that Christ offers. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of peace in your relationship with God? Are there specific areas in your life where you need to seek reconciliation or forgiveness? [30:38]
3. The sermon discusses the enmity between God and humanity due to sin. How do you personally experience this enmity, and what steps can you take to address it through the cross of Christ? [34:22]
4. How does understanding God's justice and love as demonstrated on the cross affect your view of God's character? Are there misconceptions about God that you need to reevaluate in light of this understanding? [39:54]
5. Inner peace is found through understanding the depth of God's love. What practical steps can you take to deepen your understanding of God's love and find rest for your mind and heart? [45:20]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did the realization of peace through Christ's sacrifice help bridge that gap? What can you do to maintain a close relationship with God moving forward? [33:14]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to find peace. How can the message of the cross and the assurance of reconciliation with God help you address this struggle? [42:53]

Devotional

Day 1: Assurance of Eternal Life
Believing in Jesus Christ assures us of eternal life, liberating us from the fear of future judgment. This assurance is not just a distant hope but a present reality for those who have faith in Him. By trusting in the One who sent Jesus, believers have already transitioned from judgment to life, a profound truth that offers comfort and security. In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, this promise of eternal life provides a steadfast anchor for the soul, reminding us that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ. [26:28]

"For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." (John 6:40, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways does the assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus change how you face daily challenges and uncertainties?


Day 2: Foundational Peace with God
The peace that Christ offers is foundational, establishing a right relationship with God. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound reconciliation that allows us to approach God with confidence. Through Jesus' sacrifice, the enmity caused by sin is abolished, and we are invited into a harmonious relationship with our Creator. This peace is essential for our spiritual well-being, as it underpins our ability to connect with God in prayer and worship, free from the barriers that sin once erected. [30:38]

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of peace with God in your daily life, especially in moments of stress or conflict?


Day 3: Reconciliation through the Cross
Sin creates enmity between God and humanity, but the cross of Christ abolishes this enmity. Through His death, Jesus satisfies God's justice and demonstrates His love, making reconciliation possible. This act of divine love and justice is the cornerstone of our faith, as it bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. By embracing the cross, we are invited into a restored relationship with God, where forgiveness and grace abound, and the barriers of sin are torn down. [34:22]

"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you still feel separated from God? How can you invite the reconciling power of the cross into that area today?


Day 4: God's Justice and Love
The cross of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and justice. It vindicates His holy character while offering forgiveness to sinners, allowing God to be both just and the justifier of those who believe. This profound truth reveals the depth of God's commitment to righteousness and mercy, as He upholds His standards while extending grace to those who trust in Jesus. The cross is a testament to the lengths God will go to restore us to Himself, showcasing His unwavering love and perfect justice. [39:54]

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the balance of God's justice and love at the cross impact your view of His character and your relationship with Him?


Day 5: Inner Peace through Understanding
Inner peace is found through understanding the depth of God's love and the completeness of His work on the cross. This peace satisfies our minds and hearts, providing rest and assurance in our relationship with God. It is not based on a superficial understanding but on a profound realization of His justice and mercy. By embracing this truth, we find answers to our deepest questions and longings, resting in the assurance that we are fully known and fully loved by our Creator. [45:20]

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your understanding of God's love and work on the cross, and how might this lead to greater inner peace?

Quotes


"you he that heareth my words and believeth on him that sent me ha everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but has passed from judgment into life oh if you but realize the truth of this you'd agree with me that it's the most wonderful good news that has ever come into this world that in the year and now I can look to that future and to that judgment that is coming and say it's got nothing to do with me I have already passed from judgment un life judgment was pronounced upon me when the Son of God died for me and for my sins upon the cross who gave himself for our sins he gave his life to Bear the punishment I've passed through the Judgment I am in life in his kingdom and the Judgment that is to come will hold no Terror from it is has already passed from judgment into life which is life eternal doesn't this thrill you my friend don't you realize that this is the most wonderful thing you'll ever hear this is the thing that makes us Christian" [00:25:43]

"do not the events which we are passing through at the present time make you think of it don't you feel that there is a curse on this world that it's under some kind of Doom why is it that all the efforts of mankind have always been frustrated what is this fatal something that is holding the world down in spite of all the efforts that men have made with all their genius and magnificence can't you see that the world is evil and can't you see that it's hurtling on to that final doom and disaster that last judgment and can't you see that you're involved in it the world consists of men and women individuals like you and myself you are in this whether you like it or not whether you know it or not you're in it and you can't contract out of it you can't say I'm not going to be interested in this but you're a part of it and you're under God and you've got no choice you had no choice about coming into this world you won't be able to determine what happens to you after you've gone out of this world you are in this position of being under God and you can't get out of it" [00:27:30]

"and here meeting you is this announcement that the Son of God came into the world and gave himself on that cross and that shameful ignominious death in order that you might be delivered out of that and its fate and transferred and translated into his own blessed and eternal Kingdom let me hurry to the second thing the second thing that the Apostle mentions is peace peace what does he mean by peace oh is there anything comparable to this he means first and foremost peace with God that's what Christ has achieved by dying upon the cross on calvary's Hill he has made peace between God and Men Paul says it here I read it to you out of that first chapter of Colossians he has made peace he says by the blood of his cross but what you mean by this peace says someone well let me put it to you in this form the first thing that you and I need having realized our need of deliverance from this present evil world is to have peace with God" [00:29:11]

"now again let me emphasize this this again has reference to my position to my relationship to God now before you and I begin to think of any particular blessings before we begin to think of happiness peace Jo Joy or any one of these things let's get hold of this peace between ourselves as persons and God I can easily show you why this must come first isn't this a position in which we've many of us found ourselves many and many a time we've been in some trouble we've got some problems something has gone wrong we've done our best other people have tried to help us but it's no good and then we say well I'll pray to God about it but somehow or other you haven't had much confidence in your prayer and nothing seems to happen why well I can tell you why before you and I can be blessed by God we must know God we must be introduced to God the conditions between God and ourselves must be favorable" [00:30:45]

"you see we have it on the authority of God's word that God heareth not Sinners how is it that we can ignore this or forget this we realize it in ordinary human Converse and in human relationships don't we if you want to get some benefit out of a men well you go to somebody and say I hear that you know so and so would you be kind enough to introduce me to him you don't walk up to a stranger and say do this that or the other for me no no you say it's bad form it's not gentlemanly and you're perfectly right you've got to make content first you need an introduction you've got to know the person you can't ask favors of people whom you don't know a pure strangers to you and yet you see when we come to talk about God we forget that and ignore it all together we haven't thought of God throughout our lives perhaps but suddenly we are in trouble we get on our knees and we ask God to do this that or the other have you ever considered whether you know God whether you're related to God or whether the conditions are such that it's possible" [00:32:03]

"that's why this peace with God must be considered before any particular blessings whatsoever if we want to be blessed by God well then the first first thing we must attend to is this how can I approach God how can I have an entry into the presence of God how can I have access to God how can I know God how can I speak to God we've already seen that God is light and in him is no Darkness at all we know that we are full of Darkness ourselves well then how can we speak to God and this is what we discover the moment we face that all important question that there is a state of enmity between God and men and that is why we feel we can't pray and that is why some nothing seems to happen when we have prayed there is a state of enmity between God and men and let me make this perfectly clear there are two sides to it God hates sin he abominates it sin is the Eternal opposite of God" [00:33:14]

"sin is that which has entered into God's perfect universe and reduced it to what it is this evening and God hates it I'm not saying that I wouldn't dare to say it I wouldn't venture to postulate anything about God there are people who don't hesitate to say I say this and I think that and God ought not to do this and if that's your God I wouldn't dare to speak like that about God for God is in heaven and I am on Earth and God is Almighty and I'm a weakling a little pygmy passing through this world but once God is Holy and I am sinful and vile and unworthy I'm not saying this it's God himself who has said it he hates he abominates sin and he hates all and everything that belongs to that realm of evil and of sin and that is why he has said that he's going to punish it God is at enmity against sin let's never forget that and then on our side as natural human beings me there is enmity against God" [00:34:42]

"here it is in the scriptures the natural mind is enmity against God is Not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be and you know my dear friend that is the simple truth about every one of us by Nature we say I've always believed in God you haven't you've believed in some figment of your own imagination when you really discover what God is like from this book you hate him God God is the one who always wants to spoil you pleasure God is the one who always stands between you and your heart's desire this gospel this Ten Commandments this Sermon on the Mount God is the one when I go and pray to him he doesn't answer me he doesn't do what I ask of him isn't that your attitude towards God by Nature the natural mind is enmity against God he is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be the natural mind is full of a hatred and an enmity towards God" [00:36:18]

"and yet you see in trouble we go to him and we pray to him and if we don't get to the answer we say so much for you a God is this your God and we feel a grudge against him don't we all know it mustn't we all honestly confess it when we are true to ourselves and honest there is a state of enmity and warfare between men and God and God and men and what is the good news the good news is this that the Son of God came came into this world and went to that death on the cross and bore our sins in his own body on the tree what for to make peace between man and God and God and man he's abolished the enmity he's taken it away and let me add this he's done it on both sides and he did it like this God because he is God and just and holy and righteous cannot deny his own nature he said that he will punish sin and he will and he does punish sin" [00:38:03]

"yes but if he punishes me and my sin that's the end of me that's death the problem is this how can God forgive me and still remain righteous and holy and just and there is literally only one answer to that question there was only one way and it was the way that God adopted and put into practice because of this terrible problem of the justice and the Holiness and the righteousness of God and my need of forgiveness God sent his only son into the world and to the cross on calvary's hill and there he put my sins upon him and he punished in his Justice and righteousness and Holiness he punished sin as he said he would but because he punished it in him he can freely forgive me so that as Paul argues in Romans 3 25 and 26 that God can be just and at the same time the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus" [00:39:54]

"do you know the cross on calvary's Hill is the most marvelous thing that's ever happened or ever will there you see what not only the love of God but his Justice his Holiness his righteousness his law is Vindicated his holy character is Vindicated and yet his love is at the same time manifested he's just in forgiving me because he's punished my sin in the one who gave himself to death for my sins and then on my side you see it works like this when I realize my enmity to God when I realize the enormity of that and its sinfulness when I realize the sinfulness of my own nature I don't know what to do I say how can God possibly forgive me but there I see the way yes and as I see it this is what it does to me I see God as I've never seen him before I no longer see him as I used to think of him as some Tyrant that was set against me always keeping me down and making me live a narrow life that I hated I see a god whose Heart Is Love and whose love was as great as this that though I was a sinner and a wretch and his enemy and a rebel vile he so loved me that he sent his only beloved son to suffer and to endure that for me he punished him his only beloved he smelt him he struck him by his stripes I am healed and seeing God like this in Jesus Christ and in his love and in his death upon the cross my heart is broken and I see his love my enmity is banished and removed once and forever ever you see the enmity between God and Men is removed and banished only in the Cross of Christ it is there he makes peace between man and God and God and Men he takes the enmity the opposition away he reconciles us he brings us together in a bond of Love The Gospel of Jesus Christ Christ offers you peace with God" [00:41:31]

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Transcript
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