BENEFITS OF THE CROSS!
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.†Isaiah 53:5
According to this powerful verse the shed blood of Christ provides Christians with four very important benefits. These benefits are available to all born again Christians who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has already paid the price for us to be healthy and whole in spirit, mind, and body. Thus the expression “lay it the foot of the cross†truthfully reiterates the fact that Christ has already purchased for us, with his own shed blood, everything we need for our physical and spiritual wellness. These four benefits are: 1) forgiveness and remission of all of our transgressions 2) Deliverance and cleansing from all inbred iniquities such as generational curses and the inherited sin nature we all received from Adam 3) Reconciliation to God which brings justification and inner peace in our hearts and minds and 4) Physical healing and deliverance from all sickness, disease and demonic oppression.
WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS
What is transgression? According to the Word of God transgression is willful disobedience and disregard to God’s laws and commandments (Deut. 26:13; Num. 14:41; 2 Chr. 24:20; Neh. 1:9; Isa. 24:5; Mt. 15:3; 1 Jn. 3:4). Transgression is our sins or trespasses against an offended God (Josh. 22:22; Isa. 59:12). It is living ones life without God and contrary to His revealed will (2 Chr. 24:20; Ez. 10:10-13; 20:38; Neh. 13:27). This life of rebellion and rejection of God can hinder ones prosperity (2 Chr. 24:20), ones prayers (Lam. 3:44), and bring unnecessary hardships, curses, and divine judgments, including death and destruction (Jer. 2:30; Is. 43:27, 28; Lam. 3:43-66; Josh. 23:15,16; 1 Chr. 10:13). One of the worst transgressions against God is idolatry and practicing heathenism and occultism (Josh. 7:11; 1 Chr. 5:25; Isa. 24:5). When the Jewish people transgressed it brought the curse of the law upon them. The curse of the law was all the hardship, sickness and disease listed in Deut. 28. Transgression is also the reason why the Jewish people were scattered among all nations (Neh. 1:8-10). Those who do not receive the forgiveness and mercy that is available through Christ will receive eternal judgment and damnation in hell (Isa. 66:24).
The good news is that everyone who is will to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior can be pardoned for all their transgressions. The benefits that Christ purchased for us extend also to all of God’s people were under the curse of the law. But thank God for “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us…that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.†(Gal. 3:13, 14) This means we can be forgiven of all our trespasses and healed of all our sicknesses and diseases (2 Cor. 5:19; Col. 2:3).
BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES
David, in Psalm 51:5-10, reveals to us that iniquity stems from the old carnal sin nature that we inherited from Adam and are all born with. The apostle Paul shows us how this inherited sin nature wars against our soul and causes to do what we don’t want to do. Iniquity can manifest itself in us through such sins as pride, materialism, laziness, selfishness, covetousness, dishonesty, oppression, theft, treachery, violence and other forms of criminal activity (Ez. 16:49; Mic. 2:1-3). The old sin nature continually drives people to commit sinful acts and to have evil and ungodly desires, motives and behaviors (Isa. 59:6; Acts 1:18; 1 Cor. 13:6). Our iniquities hinder us from having a relationship with God (Isa. 59:2) and create sinful addictions, bad habits and spiritual bondages in our lives (Ps. 119:133). Generational curses from the iniquities of our ancestors can be passed down and inherited in our children (Ex. 34:7; Num. 14:18).
Through the benefits of the cross our iniquities can be fully pardoned and purged form us (2 Tim. 2:19-22; Heb. 8:12,13; 10:17). The Bible is plain about the fact that a persons own good deeds and works will not save him from his sins (Ez. 33:11-16). It is Christ who redeems us from all iniquity and purifies us unto Himself (Tit. 2:14). We apply this benefit to ourselves through repentance or turning away from our sins and through the new birth or the spiritual transformation that God performs in our heart and spirit (Ps. 51:10; Jn. 3:3-7). The Lord can bring deliverance from spiritual bondages and demonic oppression. Christians have a responsibility to warn sinners to turn away from their iniquity and receive Christ and the benefits of His cross. Those who do become holy people who have a relationship with the Lord through the indwelling of His Spirit and who eagerly follow and obey His divine laws with all their hearts (Jer. 31:33, 34; Heb. 10:16, 17). Jesus fully purchased our redemption from sin and iniquity with His own blood that was shed at the cross (Tit. 2:14).
THE CHASTISEMENT OF OUR PEACE IS UPON HIM
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Prince of peace. The benefits of His shed blood at Calvary reconciles us to God so we can have peace with God (2 Cor. 5:18). His subtitutionary death abolishes the enmity of the carnal mind (Rom. 8:7), the old sin nature within us (Rom. 6:6; Eph. 2:14) and the old worldly way of life (Jam. 4:4). With this enmity washed away by the blood of Christ we become a new man, who is reconciled to God and justified by faith (Eph. 2:16-17). We now have peace with God (Rom. 5:1; Col. 1:20). As person reconciled to God will have inner peace or peace of mind (Rom. 8:6; Phil 4:7), joy (Rom. 14:17), freedom from a guilty conscience (Heb. 10:22), freedom from condemnation (Rom. 8:1), and freedom from fear and grief during times of trouble (2 Tim. 1:7). Peace comes from God, He is the author of peace and He is our peace (1 Cor. 14:33). The Lord will bless us with peace (Ps. 29:11; Jn. 14:27; 2 Thes. 3:16) and enable us to live a life that is quiet and peaceful (Jn. 20:19; 1 Tim. 2:2). Peace is to rule in the hearts and lives of every Christian (Mt. 5:9; Col. 3:15). Peace perfects our character (Ps. 37:37) and enables us to sow the seeds of righteousness (Jam. 3:18).
If we want to maintain peace in our lives we must keep our mind on the Lord, trust in Him, practice peaceful relations with everyone (Pr. 16:7; Mt. 9:50; Rom. 12:18; 2 Tim. 2:22; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Pet. 3;11) and obey His Word (Isa. 26:3; Prov. 3:1,2). Christ gives us inner peace so our hearts will not be anxious, fearful, distressed, or afraid during persecution, hardships, trials, and troublous times (Jn. 14:27). Peace is a benefit that the wicked do not have.
WITH HIS STRIPS WE ARE HEALED
There is a lot of sickness in the world today because people are not applying the benefits of the cross to their life (Hos. 4:6; Jam. 4:2). Sin is what caused all death and sickness to enter into the world (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 5:12). Curses are sicknesses and hardships that are often inflicted on man by Satan and his demonic forces as punishment for disobedience to God’s righteous laws and standards (Deut. 28:16).
The good news is that Christ has already purchased, for those who believe in Him, all mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical healing that is needed (Ps. 103:1-6; Isa. 53:5; Mt. 8:16-17). Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law or the sicknesses and diseases that sin brought upon us (Gal. 3:13). It is God’s will for the Christian believer to be healthy in spirit, mind and body (3 Jn. 2). The benefits of our healing are received through 1) Personal prayer (Jam. 5:16). 2) Prayer for healing by the church Elders (Jam. 5:14-15). 3) Laying on of hands by true believers (Mk.16:17-18). The sent Word to heal the sick (Ps. 107:20). 5) Songs of deliverance (praise and worship songs) (Ps. 32:7). The Bible tells us that there are conditions that hinder or prevent us from receiving our healing. This conditions are: regarding iniquity in our hearts (Ps. 66:18), sinful living (Isa. 59:2), unforgiveness (Mt. 6:15), lack of restitution (Mt. 5:23-24), lack of faith (Heb. 11:6), unworthiness (1 Cor. 11:29). Sometimes healing is delayed to fulfill God’s divine purposes in our lives. Trials, hardships, and various forms of chastisement are divinely used by the Lord to bring us to repentance, to correct us, help us to develop needed virtues, to perfect our ways, to establish us in the faith, to strengthen and settle us, and to enable us to become fruitful in righteousness (1 Pet. 5:10; Heb. 12:5-11). If we want to maintain good health we should avoid all sin and practice righteousness (1 Pet. 2:24), glorify God in our body (no bad or harmful habits like smoking, drinking, and taking drugs) and in our spirit (avoid harmful emotions and attitudes like anger and hatred). Such things as hatred, unforgiveness, and bitterness have been known to cause many health problems.
I encourage you as a Christian to apply the benefits of the cross to your life today. Christ has successfully defeated Satan and all his demonic forces at Calvary (Col. 2:15). Believe and trust God for the things you need that He has already purchased for you with His own blood at the Cross. The Lord says in His Word that you can have these things, they belong to you, reach out in faith and receive them (Mt. 9:22,29; Mk. 6:5,6; Lk. 7:50). Trust in the Lord and let His shed blood wash away your sins, cleanse your heart and life, give you inner peace that surpasses all understanding, and provide you with healing for spirit, mind and body!!!
By Bibleman
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.†Isaiah 53:5
According to this powerful verse the shed blood of Christ provides Christians with four very important benefits. These benefits are available to all born again Christians who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has already paid the price for us to be healthy and whole in spirit, mind, and body. Thus the expression “lay it the foot of the cross†truthfully reiterates the fact that Christ has already purchased for us, with his own shed blood, everything we need for our physical and spiritual wellness. These four benefits are: 1) forgiveness and remission of all of our transgressions 2) Deliverance and cleansing from all inbred iniquities such as generational curses and the inherited sin nature we all received from Adam 3) Reconciliation to God which brings justification and inner peace in our hearts and minds and 4) Physical healing and deliverance from all sickness, disease and demonic oppression.
WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS
What is transgression? According to the Word of God transgression is willful disobedience and disregard to God’s laws and commandments (Deut. 26:13; Num. 14:41; 2 Chr. 24:20; Neh. 1:9; Isa. 24:5; Mt. 15:3; 1 Jn. 3:4). Transgression is our sins or trespasses against an offended God (Josh. 22:22; Isa. 59:12). It is living ones life without God and contrary to His revealed will (2 Chr. 24:20; Ez. 10:10-13; 20:38; Neh. 13:27). This life of rebellion and rejection of God can hinder ones prosperity (2 Chr. 24:20), ones prayers (Lam. 3:44), and bring unnecessary hardships, curses, and divine judgments, including death and destruction (Jer. 2:30; Is. 43:27, 28; Lam. 3:43-66; Josh. 23:15,16; 1 Chr. 10:13). One of the worst transgressions against God is idolatry and practicing heathenism and occultism (Josh. 7:11; 1 Chr. 5:25; Isa. 24:5). When the Jewish people transgressed it brought the curse of the law upon them. The curse of the law was all the hardship, sickness and disease listed in Deut. 28. Transgression is also the reason why the Jewish people were scattered among all nations (Neh. 1:8-10). Those who do not receive the forgiveness and mercy that is available through Christ will receive eternal judgment and damnation in hell (Isa. 66:24).
The good news is that everyone who is will to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior can be pardoned for all their transgressions. The benefits that Christ purchased for us extend also to all of God’s people were under the curse of the law. But thank God for “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us…that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.†(Gal. 3:13, 14) This means we can be forgiven of all our trespasses and healed of all our sicknesses and diseases (2 Cor. 5:19; Col. 2:3).
BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES
David, in Psalm 51:5-10, reveals to us that iniquity stems from the old carnal sin nature that we inherited from Adam and are all born with. The apostle Paul shows us how this inherited sin nature wars against our soul and causes to do what we don’t want to do. Iniquity can manifest itself in us through such sins as pride, materialism, laziness, selfishness, covetousness, dishonesty, oppression, theft, treachery, violence and other forms of criminal activity (Ez. 16:49; Mic. 2:1-3). The old sin nature continually drives people to commit sinful acts and to have evil and ungodly desires, motives and behaviors (Isa. 59:6; Acts 1:18; 1 Cor. 13:6). Our iniquities hinder us from having a relationship with God (Isa. 59:2) and create sinful addictions, bad habits and spiritual bondages in our lives (Ps. 119:133). Generational curses from the iniquities of our ancestors can be passed down and inherited in our children (Ex. 34:7; Num. 14:18).
Through the benefits of the cross our iniquities can be fully pardoned and purged form us (2 Tim. 2:19-22; Heb. 8:12,13; 10:17). The Bible is plain about the fact that a persons own good deeds and works will not save him from his sins (Ez. 33:11-16). It is Christ who redeems us from all iniquity and purifies us unto Himself (Tit. 2:14). We apply this benefit to ourselves through repentance or turning away from our sins and through the new birth or the spiritual transformation that God performs in our heart and spirit (Ps. 51:10; Jn. 3:3-7). The Lord can bring deliverance from spiritual bondages and demonic oppression. Christians have a responsibility to warn sinners to turn away from their iniquity and receive Christ and the benefits of His cross. Those who do become holy people who have a relationship with the Lord through the indwelling of His Spirit and who eagerly follow and obey His divine laws with all their hearts (Jer. 31:33, 34; Heb. 10:16, 17). Jesus fully purchased our redemption from sin and iniquity with His own blood that was shed at the cross (Tit. 2:14).
THE CHASTISEMENT OF OUR PEACE IS UPON HIM
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Prince of peace. The benefits of His shed blood at Calvary reconciles us to God so we can have peace with God (2 Cor. 5:18). His subtitutionary death abolishes the enmity of the carnal mind (Rom. 8:7), the old sin nature within us (Rom. 6:6; Eph. 2:14) and the old worldly way of life (Jam. 4:4). With this enmity washed away by the blood of Christ we become a new man, who is reconciled to God and justified by faith (Eph. 2:16-17). We now have peace with God (Rom. 5:1; Col. 1:20). As person reconciled to God will have inner peace or peace of mind (Rom. 8:6; Phil 4:7), joy (Rom. 14:17), freedom from a guilty conscience (Heb. 10:22), freedom from condemnation (Rom. 8:1), and freedom from fear and grief during times of trouble (2 Tim. 1:7). Peace comes from God, He is the author of peace and He is our peace (1 Cor. 14:33). The Lord will bless us with peace (Ps. 29:11; Jn. 14:27; 2 Thes. 3:16) and enable us to live a life that is quiet and peaceful (Jn. 20:19; 1 Tim. 2:2). Peace is to rule in the hearts and lives of every Christian (Mt. 5:9; Col. 3:15). Peace perfects our character (Ps. 37:37) and enables us to sow the seeds of righteousness (Jam. 3:18).
If we want to maintain peace in our lives we must keep our mind on the Lord, trust in Him, practice peaceful relations with everyone (Pr. 16:7; Mt. 9:50; Rom. 12:18; 2 Tim. 2:22; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Pet. 3;11) and obey His Word (Isa. 26:3; Prov. 3:1,2). Christ gives us inner peace so our hearts will not be anxious, fearful, distressed, or afraid during persecution, hardships, trials, and troublous times (Jn. 14:27). Peace is a benefit that the wicked do not have.
WITH HIS STRIPS WE ARE HEALED
There is a lot of sickness in the world today because people are not applying the benefits of the cross to their life (Hos. 4:6; Jam. 4:2). Sin is what caused all death and sickness to enter into the world (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 5:12). Curses are sicknesses and hardships that are often inflicted on man by Satan and his demonic forces as punishment for disobedience to God’s righteous laws and standards (Deut. 28:16).
The good news is that Christ has already purchased, for those who believe in Him, all mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical healing that is needed (Ps. 103:1-6; Isa. 53:5; Mt. 8:16-17). Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law or the sicknesses and diseases that sin brought upon us (Gal. 3:13). It is God’s will for the Christian believer to be healthy in spirit, mind and body (3 Jn. 2). The benefits of our healing are received through 1) Personal prayer (Jam. 5:16). 2) Prayer for healing by the church Elders (Jam. 5:14-15). 3) Laying on of hands by true believers (Mk.16:17-18). The sent Word to heal the sick (Ps. 107:20). 5) Songs of deliverance (praise and worship songs) (Ps. 32:7). The Bible tells us that there are conditions that hinder or prevent us from receiving our healing. This conditions are: regarding iniquity in our hearts (Ps. 66:18), sinful living (Isa. 59:2), unforgiveness (Mt. 6:15), lack of restitution (Mt. 5:23-24), lack of faith (Heb. 11:6), unworthiness (1 Cor. 11:29). Sometimes healing is delayed to fulfill God’s divine purposes in our lives. Trials, hardships, and various forms of chastisement are divinely used by the Lord to bring us to repentance, to correct us, help us to develop needed virtues, to perfect our ways, to establish us in the faith, to strengthen and settle us, and to enable us to become fruitful in righteousness (1 Pet. 5:10; Heb. 12:5-11). If we want to maintain good health we should avoid all sin and practice righteousness (1 Pet. 2:24), glorify God in our body (no bad or harmful habits like smoking, drinking, and taking drugs) and in our spirit (avoid harmful emotions and attitudes like anger and hatred). Such things as hatred, unforgiveness, and bitterness have been known to cause many health problems.
I encourage you as a Christian to apply the benefits of the cross to your life today. Christ has successfully defeated Satan and all his demonic forces at Calvary (Col. 2:15). Believe and trust God for the things you need that He has already purchased for you with His own blood at the Cross. The Lord says in His Word that you can have these things, they belong to you, reach out in faith and receive them (Mt. 9:22,29; Mk. 6:5,6; Lk. 7:50). Trust in the Lord and let His shed blood wash away your sins, cleanse your heart and life, give you inner peace that surpasses all understanding, and provide you with healing for spirit, mind and body!!!
