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In Christ Alone
A Sure Foundation
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Date Created:
10/30/2001
Author:
Suart Townend
Scripture References:
John 16:33, 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Peter 1:3, Colossians 3:3, 1 John 1:9, Ezekiel 11:19, Romans 6, Ephesians 1:19-20; Romans 8:28-29, Romans 8:38-39, Acts 7:56; Revelations 12:11, Philippians 1:21-23, 2 Corinthians 11:23. |
Verse Text: "No power of hell, no scheme of man shall separate us from the love of Christ" (Rom 8:38-39)
There’s no doubt about it – recent events have shaken the world. That’s particularly true for those of us who live in the Western world – a world where, before September 11th, the word ‘crisis’ might be used to describe a possible downturn in the economy, or questions about an election process, or national debt. We have lived relatively cacooned from the ‘real’ crises of life, the life-and death issues that are an everyday reality for other parts of the world – until now.So, when these kinds of crises hit us, where do we turn? Does our faith begin to crumble beneath us, or do we find new depths of trust and hope in the One we proclaim? There is no doubt – only in Christ can we find a sure foundation that not only encompasses life, but goes beyond the grave. Freedom from fear, not from trouble When we are blessed with friends, family, money, political security, it’s important we recognise that these things are a gift from God, not a right. One of the more disconcerting promises of Jesus is that “in this world you will have trouble” (Jn 16:33)! Jesus has never promised freedom from troubles and pain, but He does guarantee that He is in charge (v33), and promises to give us the resources to cope (2 Cor 12:9; 2 Pet 1:3). Therefore we can live free from fear, as we allow His love to dwell in us (1 Jn 4:18). Freedom because of Christ, not ourselves In these days of confusion and fear, we need to acknowledge our faith depends not on our circumstances, or our inner strength, but on the death and resurrection of Christ. The punishment for all our sins is death; and He took that punishment upon Himself.
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And because He rose again and stands in victory, He broke the curse of sin and death that was over us, and we are hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:3). We’re not just talking about a Christian perspective on life, or a comforting feeling when we go to church – we’re talking about the solid, finished, eternal work of Christ on the cross!'No guilt in life, no fear in death' By the blood of Jesus we are not only forgiven, we are cleansed (1 Jn 1:9). We are given a new heart (Ezek 11:19), a new nature (Rom 6), and the resurrection power of Christ at work in us, making us more like Him (Eph 1:19-20; Rom 8:28-29). We truly can be free from the power of guilt and condemnation in our lives. But there is more. Even death, the final enemy, has been defeated, and we can face it knowing that nothing - ‘no power of hell, no scheme of man’ - shall separate us from the love of Christ (Rom 8:38-39). It is this truth that has enabled millions down through church history to preach the gospel with boldness in the face of dangers, and even death (Acts 7:56; Rev 12:11; Phil 1:21-23; 2 Cor 11:23). I pray that as you use this song in your local church, people will experience a fresh revelation of the power and sovereignty of God, and His unshakeable grip on their lives.
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