Introduction
Galatians 6:14: “As for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world died long ago, and the world’s interest in me is also long dead.” (NLT)
The cross was a torture instrument used during the era of the Roman Empire. It consisted of a horizontal piece of wood intersecting a vertical one near its upper end. The victim was nailed to it in this manner: each hand was nailed to one end of the horizontal beam, while the feet were nailed to the base of the vertical beam. The cross was then erected vertically with the victim fastened to it.
Jesus Christ, in fulfilment of God’s mission of redemption for lost mankind, was nailed to the cross in exactly this manner.
The Holy Bible’s record of the crucifixion, according to the gospel of Matthew 27:35 says:
“After they had finished nailing Him to the cross and were waiting for Him to die, they whiled away the time by throwing dice for His clothes.” (MSB)
According to historians, death by crucifixion was slow and extremely painful, often lasting several days. As a result, execution by means of the cross was dreaded. It was usually reserved for notorious offenders such as thieves, murderers, rebels, and prisoners of war.
In today’s civilized world, however, such barbaric torture has become history. Whenever the cross is mentioned in relation to suffering, it is generally understood in a symbolic sense, as in this study titled “The Christian and the Cross.”
In this context, the cross symbolizes the trials and pains a Christian encounters because of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As unpleasant and undesirable as it may seem, suffering for one’s faith in Jesus Christ is to be accepted as the will of God. See 1 Peter 2:19–25 and 2 Timothy 3:12.
“For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.” (Philippians 1:29–30, NKJV)
“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:38, NKJV)
Why is the cross a necessary part of the Christian life? It is because it puts our love for God to the test. Until you love the Lord with “…all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength…” (Deuteronomy 6:5, NKJV), you cannot be worthy of His Kingdom. The cross helps the Christian attain this love for, and harmony with, Almighty God through complete separation from the world and its sinful practices.
“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1–2, NKJV)
In this study, which is divided into five (5) parts, we shall use the letters of the word C-R-O-S-S to explain the topic fully, with each letter representing a sub-topic as follows:
C – Crucified with Christ. Galatians 2:20–21; Romans 6:11–19; Colossians 3:5–9.
R – Resurrected with Christ. Colossians 3:1–2; Romans 6:18–22.
O – Overcoming with Christ. Philippians 4:13; 1 John 2:13–14; 4:4; 1 Corinthians 15:57.
S – Suffering with Christ.
1 Peter 4:1–2; Luke 9:23–26.
S – Saved at Last in Christ. Matthew 10:22; Philippians 3:20–21; 1 Corinthians 15:51–58.
1. CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST
Text: Galatians 2:20–21; Romans 6:11–19; Colossians 3:5–9
We explained the crucifixion in the introductory part of this study as an excruciating form of torture that often lasted several days, unless the victim was aided to die more quickly by some other means. See an example of such assisted deaths in John 19:31–33. (NLT):
“The Jewish leaders didn’t want the victims hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath at that, because it was the Passover), so they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down.”
We also explained that our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified at the third hour (9:00 a.m.) and remained hanging on the cross until the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.), when He finally died. Six excruciating hours! That illustrates how terrible death by crucifixion was. See Mark 15:25–37.
Today, we shall explain the symbolism of Christ’s literal crucifixion as it relates to the Christian life. The anthem of every born-again child of God should always be in the words of Galatians 2:20, which says:
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”. (NKJV)
Below is a comparative representation of the passage above:
The Literal Crucifixion Versus the Symbolic Crucifixion
- Jesus fulfilled His mission to save sinners on the cross.
See Mark 15:25:
“Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him”. (NKJV).
True Christianity, likewise, begins with the symbolic death (crucifixion) of the Christian to this world and its sins. See Colossians 3:5–9.
Gal.5.24 “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires… “
Gal.6.14 “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world”. (NKJV) - Jesus Christ demonstrated that He accepted His unjust crucifixion in faith when He prayed for His assailants, saying: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do…” Luke 23:34 (NKJV).
Likewise, the Christian who is symbolically crucified with Christ must relinquish every desire for personal retaliation against persecutors.
Matt.5.39- “But I say, don’t resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too.
Matt.5.40 – If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.
Matt.5.41 – If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles”. NLT - The people mocked and reviled Jesus as He suffered on the cross, yet He endured in silence. See Mark 15:29–32 and Luke 23:35–37.
1Pet.2.23 “who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;” (NKJV)
To be symbolically associated with the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, we too must be willing to endure reproach faithfully and patiently for His sake, just as He did. Hebrews 11:24–26; Matthew 5:10–12;
2 Corinthians 11:21–33;
2 Timothy 3:10–14; 1 Peter 3:8–17
2Tim.4.5:“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry”. (NKJV) - Despite His agony, Jesus remembered the spiritual needs of a sinner. In Luke 23:39–43, Jesus comforted the repentant thief who was crucified beside Him and assured him that he would be with Him in Paradise that very day. He did this in fulfilment of the prophecy recorded in Isaiah 53:5–6, which says: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all”. (NKJV).
In the same way, the crucified Christian must remain committed to winning souls for God’s Kingdom regardless of present unfavourable circumstances.
2 Timothy 4:1–2; Acts 20:17–38; Philemon 1:7–13; Acts 8:1–4; Matthew 10:22–23.
John 4:34: “Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” (NKJV) - Because Jesus remained faithful to God, even on the cross, until He died, His persecutors—who had earlier mocked and jeered at Him as He hung in agony—later acknowledged His innocence and righteousness when conviction gripped their hearts. Luke23:44–48.
John.10.15: “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep”. (NKJV)
That was precisely why Jesus endured the violence of those who persecuted Him: so that they—and indeed the whole world—might be won to God.
Similarly, if we are to be the light of salvation that Jesus has called us to be in the world, we must patiently remain faithful to Him and continue to bear our cross with endurance until He, who placed it upon our shoulders, removes it in His own time. No amount of pressure from the world or Satan should cause us to surrender our faith.
Heb.10.36: “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise”: (NKJV)
Although the message of the cross and the symbolic life of crucifixion are not popular in much of Christendom today, this does not diminish the solemn warning of Jesus Christ in Matt.10.38:
” And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me”. (NKJV)
If we are willing to face this truth and embrace it wholeheartedly, we will not perish with those who believe—and even teach—that Christ died so they might inherit the world. Rather, we shall understand that His purpose was to redeem us from it.
1 Timothy 6:3: “Some false teachers may deny these things, but these are the sound, wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, and they are the foundation for a godly life…”
1 Timothy 6:5: “These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they don’t tell the truth. To them religion is just a way to get rich.”
To embrace such a mindset is to miss the true message of the cross, just as the Holy Scriptures declare in 1 Corinthians 1.18:
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God”. (NKJV)
2. RESURRECTED WITH CHRIST
Texts: Romans 6:1–23; Colossians 3:1–25; Philippians 3:10–11; Hebrews 11:35; 1 Peter 1:3
In the divine order of God’s plan of salvation for mankind, Jesus Christ first had to die in order to deal with the problem of sin and make atonement for humanity. He then rose from the dead to impart the new life He had secured for us through His death and resurrection. Consequently, everyone who believes in Him, repents of their sins, and accepts His offer of forgiveness is lifted above the dominion of sin.
This same divine order must also be reflected in our lives if we are to stand complete in Him.
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were literal, whereas ours must first be symbolic before they become literal at the resurrection of the dead. The Word of God declares in Romans 6:5: “For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection”, (NKJV).
In this second part of the study, we shall consider three important areas, namely:
1.The Resurrected Christian and the New Life
Text: Colossians 3:1–11
The opening verses of Colossians chapter three call upon every believer to demonstrate the reality of the new life in Christ when it says: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth”. Colossians 3:1-2(NKJV)
Verses three and four provide compelling reasons why Jesus Christ requires this evidence from us by adding: “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory”.Colossians 3:3-4 (NKJV).
Compare the scripture above with Philippians 3:10–11; 1 Peter 1:3; Hebrews 11:35.
Verses five through eleven then issue a solemn command beginning with: _”Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness…”
See Colossians 3:5–11 (NKJV).
Until we demonstrate this new life, justify our profession by our conduct, and obey God’s solemn charge to live as those who have been raised with Christ, we cannot attain the final and literal resurrection of those who die in right standing with God through Jesus Christ. See Revelation 20:4-6.
“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years”. Revelation 20:4 (NKJV)
- The Resurrected Christian in Family Life
Text: Colossians 3:12–21
More than anywhere else, our new life in Christ should first be evident within our own families. This will help us win our loved ones to Christ and establish a strong foundation for effective soul-winning through the testimony of a Christ-centred home.
If we consider 1 Timothy 5:8 from a spiritual perspective—and not merely an economic one—we can better appreciate this truth.
1Timothy 5.8:“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever”. (NKJV)
To cultivate such a Christ-centred home, we must:
a. Practise genuine forgiveness within our families so that we may also receive God’s forgiveness.
See Colossians 3:12–13.
b. Love one another and willingly submit to one another where Scripture requires it, even when doing so challenges our personal preferences. See Colossians 3:14–15, 18–21; 1 Peter 3:1–6
c. Build and faithfully maintain a family altar devoted to prayer, praise, thanksgiving, worship, and the regular study and sharing of God’s Word. See Colossians 3:16–17; Malachi 3:16–18
Through such consistent family fellowship, we can confidently expect the fulfilment of God’s promise, which says, “…For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children”. See Isaiah 49:25 (NKJV). 3.The Resurrected Christian in the Workplace and Community
Texts: Colossians 3:22–25; Romans 12:14–21
Just as Jesus Christ gave His life to save and transform us, so our new life should be devoted to positively influencing those around us—whether in our workplace, our neighbourhood, or wherever God places us.
Matt.5.14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matt.5.16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”. (NKJV)
We allow the light of our resurrected life to shine by:
a. Showing kindness, honesty, and integrity even toward those who neither love us nor share our Christian convictions.
See Romans 12:14; 1 Peter 2:12
b. Being diligent in carrying out our professional responsibilities, secular duties, and civic obligations, even when no personal advantage is to be gained. See Colossians 3:22–24; Colossians 4:1
c. Living peaceably and humbly with everyone, even when doing so requires us to forgo our personal rights or opportunities for retaliation. See Romans 12:16–21; Hebrews 12:14–15
Heb.12.14 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”: (NKJV)
Living the resurrected life is not always easy. Nevertheless, we must remember that it was not easy for our Lord Jesus Christ to bear the cross from which our resurrection life has come. We now share in that life, and we shall continue to share in it forever on the day of the final resurrection—provided we faithfully bear our cross and remain identified with the likeness of His life until the end. See John 6:53–57.
“This is a true saying: If we die with Him, we will also live with Him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with Him. If we deny Him, He will deny us.” 2 Timothy 2:11–12 (NLT)
3.OVERCOMING WITH CHRIST
Texts: 1 John 2:13–14; 4:4
We begin this third part of the study by observing that the symbolic cross is a prominent feature of the Christian life, and for good reason. Just as the literal cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified at Calvary demonstrated God’s love in allowing His Son to suffer at the hands of sinful men, it also demonstrated the love of Jesus Christ, who willingly laid down His life for our salvation without complaint.
Isa.53.6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all”.
Isa.53.7 “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth”. (NKJV)
For love to be genuine, it must be demonstrated; otherwise, it cannot truly be known as love. In this regard, the cross of Jesus Christ at Calvary stands as the greatest proof that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love the world—and continue to do so.
Had God not loved us, He would not have sent His Son to save undeserving sinners (John 3:16). Likewise, had Jesus Christ not loved us, He would not have willingly surrendered Himself to be scourged, mocked, and crucified for a world that rejected Him before Pontius Pilate and chose a murderer instead. See John 3:16; John 18:38–40; John 10:11.
Yet both the Father and the Son overcame the ordeal of the cross for our sake. In doing so, They established the standard for everyone who desires to inherit Their heavenly Kingdom and share in its eternal glory.
Rev.3.21 “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne”. (NKJV)
What must the Christian overcome? The Christian must overcome the world and every sinful indulgence it offers.
See 1 John 2:15–17; Galatians 5:19–21.
Why must we overcome?
Because overcoming proves both our love for God and the genuineness of our faith. It also demonstrates our gratitude for what Jesus Christ accomplished through His death and resurrection. See John 14:15; 1 Timothy 1:15–16; 2 Corinthians 5:14–15.
To overcome requires conscious, deliberate, and continuous resistance against sin and every influence that seeks to separate us from God.
1Cor.9.26 “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air”.
1Cor.9.27 “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified”. (NKJV)
Striving against sin is the lifelong calling of every Christian. It is not a battle fought occasionally, but one that continues throughout our earthly pilgrimage. See Matthew 10:22.
If victory is to be certain, we must not focus on the pain, trials, persecution, and sacrifices associated with bearing the cross. Rather, our attention must remain fixed on the eternal glory awaiting those who endure faithfully, just as Jesus Christ endured.
See Philippians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 15:57.
Heb.12.2 “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”. (NKJV)
Love for God is the great motivating force behind every overcomer.
God demonstrated His love by giving His Son, Jesus Christ, into the hands of wicked men because of our sins. They tortured and crucified Him, yet God did not intervene, because His sacrificial death was necessary to accomplish the atonement for our sins. See John 3:16; Romans 5:8.
Isa.53.10 “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand”.
Isa.53.11“He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities”. (NKJV)
Jesus Christ likewise proved His love for both His Father and for us by willingly laying down His life so that salvation might become available to all who believe.
See 1 Corinthians 15:3; John 10:11; John 10:17.
The Father overcame the sorrow of not sparing His beloved Son the horror and agony of dying on the cross, even when He could easily have done that, but for the fact that His death was necessary for our sake.
The Son also willingly endured the agony of drinking the cup of suffering prepared for Him and, therefore, overcame the temptation to abandon His redemption mission to earth.
Matt.26.39 “He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
Matt.26.42 “Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” (NKJV)
Both overcame because of love.
Likewise, we must overcome every circumstance that tests our love for God and for Jesus Christ. If we truly love Them, we will remain obedient to Their Word regardless of the cost.
John.14.15 “If you love me, obey my commandments”. (NLT)
To overcome involves resisting sin; exercising self-control over worldly desires; remaining loyal to God despite pressure from Satan and the world; patiently enduring hardship because of one’s faith; and walking daily in faith and obedience to God’s known will .
Daniel provides an excellent example. See Daniel 1:8:
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself”. (NKJV)
Daniel refused the king’s food, most likely because it violated the dietary laws given to Israel.
See Leviticus 11:1–31.
For a young man who had survived the siege of Judah, been carried away captive to Babylon, and probably endured hunger along the journey, the king’s table must have been an enormous temptation. Nevertheless, Daniel surrendered the temporary pleasure of royal delicacies in order to remain faithful to God’s commandments.
Instead, he chose vegetables and water, trusting God to honour his obedience. See Daniel 1:5, 11–16.
His victory undoubtedly involved sacrifice and personal struggle, just as it did for Jesus Christ.
Heb.13.12 “Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate”.
Heb.13.13 “Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach”. (NKJV)
4.SUFFERING WITH CHRIST
Texts: 1 Peter 4:1–2; Luke 9:23–26
To suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ does not necessarily mean living in deprivation of life’s basic necessities or enduring hardship simply because of poverty. Even unbelievers experience such difficulties. Rather, it means willingly foregoing anything that a believer cannot enjoy without offending God or violating a clear conscience.
God’s desire for His children is that they should prosper and be in good health, even as their souls prosper.
See 3 John 2 (NKJV).
Notice that the prosperity of the soul is given priority over physical prosperity. This teaches that, for the true child of God, spiritual well-being must always take precedence over material comfort, because eternal life is of greater value than this world’s temporal gain. See Hebrews 11:35–38.
Accepting the cross is not always easy, just as it was not easy for our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet because He endured it faithfully, we also should endure whatever trials accompany our Christian walk. The following truths explain why.
1.Our Kingdom Is Not of This World
Texts: John 18:36; John 17:16; Philippians 3:20–21
Jesus Christ’s primary mission is to save us from this present world and prepare us for His heavenly Kingdom, which will become our eternal home.
Therefore, any temporary affliction we endure in this life cannot be compared with the eternal glory that awaits us if we remain faithful to Him. See John 14:1–3.
2.We Have Been Called Out of the World and Its Ways
Texts: 2 Corinthians 6:14–18; 1 John 2:15–17; Ephesians 4:17–19, 25–31
As born-again Christians, we have been called to make a difference in the world through lives transformed by the power of Christ. Our conduct should continually point others to Jesus Christ. If this mission is to be fulfilled, we must remain steadfast in our faith and unwavering in our obedience to God’s call. See Jude 22–23; Philippians 2:15
3.We Have Been Called to Holiness
Texts: 1 Peter 1:13–16; Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 5:8; Romans 12:1–2; Jude 20
The Kingdom that Jesus Christ is preparing for us is a holy Kingdom. Therefore, only those who both believe in and practise holiness will inherit it.
This holy life can only be maintained as we patiently endure trials and overcome every temptation the world presents in an effort to rob us of our spiritual purity. See Revelation 21:10–27.
4.We Risk Losing Our Identity as Citizens of Heaven if We Compromise with the World
Texts: Proverbs 24:21–22; James 4:4; Revelation 3:14–19
None of us is indispensable to God. He does not need us in order to accomplish His purposes. Rather, He graciously invites us to labour together with Him so that we may share in the blessings of His Kingdom.
If we become proud, self-confident, or turn away from Him, He will allow us to reap the consequences of our own choices.
Therefore, we must faithfully bear our cross and maintain our allegiance to God at all times.
See 2Chronicles 15:1–2; 2 Timothy 2:12
5.Refusing to Compromise with the World Will Inevitably Bring Opposition
Texts: John 17:14; John 16:1–3; John 15:18–21
The world requires no additional reason to oppose believers beyond the fact that we have separated ourselves from its sinful values.
Had Jesus Christ compromised with the religious leaders of His day—overlooking their hypocrisy and applauding their false spirituality—they would never have persecuted Him.
But He refused to compromise.
Instead, He endured persecution because of His unwavering commitment to truth, righteousness, and holiness.
Heb.1.9 “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” (NKJV)
Likewise, we must arm ourselves with the same attitude of unwavering obedience and faithful endurance.
1Pet.4.1 – “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning.
1Pet.4.2 – And you won’t spend the rest of your life chasing after evil desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God”. NLT.
5.SAVED AT LAST IN CHRIST
Texts: Matthew 10:22; Philippians 3:20–21; 1 Corinthians 15:51–58
The climax of our relationship with Jesus Christ will be realized in our final redemption, when we shall be forever saved in Him, with no further fear of falling into sin or eternal condemnation.
This is the ultimate hope of everyone who sincerely serves God and walks before Him in spirit and in truth. To be eternally secure in Christ—with nothing to lose and everything to gain—is the glorious expectation of every faithful believer.
All that is required is steadfast courage, unwavering determination, and perseverance until the end.
Matt.10.22 “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved”. (NKJV)
We may have been crucified with Christ. We may have experienced the new life of His resurrection. We may have overcome countless temptations and endured suffering for His sake. Yet if we fail to persevere to the very end, all our sacrifices will have been in vain.
2Cor.6.1 “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain”. (NKJV)
The cross accompanies the Christian throughout life’s journey, helping us remain on the narrow way that leads to eternal life. It constantly reminds us that the path to glory is the way of the cross.
Although this way may never be popular with the world, our concern should never be the approval of men, but the approval of God. What truly matters is that the way of the cross leads safely to our eternal home.
To remain faithful until the end and be saved at last in Christ, we must continually practise the following.
1. Keep Alive the Hope of Christ’s Return
Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:51–56; 1 Thessalonians 4:15–18; Acts 1:9–11; 2 Peter 3:11–12
The hope of the Lord’s return purifies the believer’s life, strengthens perseverance during trials, and keeps our hearts focused upon eternity rather than the temporary pleasures of this present world.
1 John 3:2–3 (NKJV).
2. Strive Daily to Live a Victorious Christian Life
Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:57; 1 John 4:4; 2 Peter 3:14
Victory is not achieved by occasional faithfulness but by daily obedience.
Every temptation resisted, every sinful desire denied, and every act of obedience strengthens our walk with Christ and prepares us for His appearing.
See 1 Peter 2:11 (NKJV).
3. Remain Actively Engaged in God’s Kingdom
Texts: Luke 19:12–13; 1 Corinthians 15:58
Every believer has been entrusted with responsibilities in God’s Kingdom.
Until the Lord returns, we should devote ourselves wholeheartedly to His work, knowing that faithful labour in His service is never wasted.
Rev.14.13 “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”‘ “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” (NKJV)
The End