“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
I love this verse from 2 Corinthians. It basically has two parts: what and why. First, he says “the love of Christ controls us.” That’s the what. What is it that informs his decision making, his behavior, his life’s work. The love of Christ.
Then comes the why. Why does he live by that love? “Because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” It’s an incredible answer. A little confusing at first glance maybe, but truly a beautiful statement of faith. It’s basically an extremely condensed version of the entire gospel. One died for all – Jesus. All who believe in him are joined with him in his death, through baptism. Through his death and through our uniting with him in his death through baptism, we are no longer slaves to sin and the flesh – that is, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit by which we are able to live for Christ.
Again, it’s a super condensed version of the gospel, but it is incredibly meaningful. It also gives us a wonderful example to emulate. Paul was able to give the reason for his beliefs, his behavior, and his work. He has a very clear reason for the way that he lives and for the purpose he has devoted himself to.
Would our answer be so sure if someone asked us that? Would we be able to give such a reason?
I fear that for many of us, the answer is no. That’s why this verse is so important for us. Not only does it hold valuable truths that can help build our faith, it also gives us an example of how to answer the what and the why.
What do we live for? The love of Christ.
Why? Because Christ died for all, and through our faith in him we also have died to ourselves and have been raised to new life in the Spirit, by which we may live not for ourselves but for God. For God’s will alone is good, holy, and perfect.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for the profound truth in this short verse. Thank you for the example of Paul giving an answer for his faith. Let us both live this out and also use it to learn to defend our own faith.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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