Today's Verse: 1 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Friday, September 28, 2007

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.
— 1 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

It sounds so simple and straightforward, doesn't it? Kinda like the newspaper headline about someone dying that we don't know. Just cold, hard facts! But we know differently. Underneath this statement of grace lies the broken heart of God, the sacrifice of heaven, the brutality of supposedly religious men, and the searching love of our Father who would not abandon us to the cruel "Deathmaster" — Satan, the murderer from the beginning (John 8:44-45) For those who had once experienced animal sacrifice with its high personal cost and animal sacrifices, this verse is more than a headline: it is a "graceline." Jesus' "once for all" sacrifice meant that no more animal sacrifices would ever be needed (Hebrews 7:25-27, 9:11-14). It came with the promise that Jesus would "bring" all to "to God" who relied on Jesus' sacrifice — no more distance between God and us, no intermediaries between God and us. Jesus is heaven's open door and God's open heart saying, "Come home; I've been waiting for you."

My Prayer...

What words, O gracious Father, can I use to express my appreciation for your sacrifice and grace? I have none sufficient to say what I feel. But even in this realization, I know the gift of your Spirit ensures that you hear my words and my heart. Every good and lasting thing I have comes from your grace. Please receive my undying love and heartfelt praise for all you are, for all you have done, and for all you will be. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, September 28, 2007

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Psalms 33:13
"Perhaps no figure of speech represents God in a more gracious light than when he is spoken of as stooping from his throne, and coming down from heaven..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'The Spirit's Moment' (Lk. 2:25-28)
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Where Facades Don't Matter' (Lk. 16:22-23)
"[Jesus continued the story of the rich man and Lazarus:] "Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Hears Our Cries' (Ps. 28:6-7)
"Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is..."

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Peter 3:18 (KJV) — For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse