This appears to be a paradox but it is not. Jesus said unless a seed dies it will not bring forth life. Death is a condition for new life. Jesus died and rose again into new life. His followers have to die to self to live like Christ. I choose to die in Christ so that I can live in Christ. This is not just an intellectual assent but a key to life. When I believe it, it will become life to me. God’s word is full of power to transform what is dead into life. Death may sound like the end but in Christ it is the beginning. Jesus showed us the way to true living by dying for us. This is the way He has paid for us to follow. There is no other way. The sooner we accept His way, the greater will be our experience of resurrection life.
Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to live in us and through us. He did this because He knew it would be impossible for us to live His life on our own. We can never be able to live a life of abundance in our own strength. It’s His life in us that abounds in us. It is His joy and peace that keeps us looking forward and not backward. We can only move forward in Him. He will take care of our past and so we can let go of all that will slow us down. He has set us free from our past and His blood assures us of true freedom.
Christ in us is the hope of glory. He has promised us much but only those who are prepared to die can benefit from His promises. This is a daily death we need to die to self and let Christ rule and reign. His reign in us will lead to His presence being manifested through us. This is how we can establish His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. There are no short cuts. The way is narrow and straight but few choose to walk in it. I have chosen to walk in it. Will you?
