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The One Who Died

Romans 8:34 (ESV) — Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

 

People talk about the things they are passionate about. If you spend enough time around people, you’ll eventually hear the things that mean the most to them. It may be politics that consumes their thoughts. It could be sports, fashion, or the latest in entertainment media. Our passions spill out in our conversations each day. 

 

When you examine the Christian faith, and study what comes out of the mouths of Christians, you’ll notice a lot of talk about death, particularly the death of Jesus. That is not what most people talk about. Death is something we avoid talking about or thinking about in our culture. But for Christians, death is a central tenet of the faith. The death of Christ is the subject of Christian speech and song. Most of the content of sermons, songs, and books eventually get to the death of the Savior. 

 

Our passage today is one such example of how central the message is for Christians. Paul speaks in Romans 8:34, “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Paul asks who is to condemn believers. No one can condemn believers because Jesus has been condemned for them already. The cross was the place where the wrath of God poured out on Jesus for the sins of His people. His death was necessary for our salvation. 

 

He died. Everyone dies, but the death of this man—of Jesus—is the most important death in the history of the world. It is this death that brings us life. His death atones for our sins and makes us acceptable in the sight of God. 

 

So let your speech and songs be filled with the glorious reality of the death of Christ, the One who died for you. He buried your sins in His body. Rejoice today in your Savior.


Reflection & Journal: 

- What would people say you are passionate about given what you talk about most? Would others mention your faith?

- Why are Christians more open to talking about death than non-believers? 

- How does knowing the reality of Christ’s death impact how you approach your day-to-day life?


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