And find my glory in the power of the cross
In ev’ry victory, let it be said of me
My source of strength, my source of hope
Is Christ alone
Over these past few weeks as we have gathered around the cross, examining the words spoken by Jesus; as we have moved from the cross to the empty tomb, my thoughts have been focused on the sufficient work of the Lord Jesus; all that has been accomplished in His death, burial and resurrection. The depth of understanding may very well be beyond our full comprehension, but given what do know from Scripture, we of necessity must respond with reverence and humility as we contemplate what the finished work of Christ provides for us.
In Christ, we have been reconciled to God. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.
(Colossians 1:22-23)
In Christ, we have peace with God. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (Romans 5:1-2)
In Christ, our sins have been forgiven. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. (Ephesians 1:7)
In Christ, we have become the beloved of the Father. See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)
In Christ, we have all that we need to live a life of faith. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3) His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3)
In Christ, we find strength. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:13 - NKJV)
In Christ, we have confidence and access to God. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
In Christ, we are never alone. Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
In Christ, we have hope. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:21)
In Christ, we have the sure and certain promise of heaven. Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:1-3)
The riches that we hold in and through Christ are truly beyond our ability to fully grasp, but we know nonetheless, that in Christ we are blessed beyond measure; in Him we find grace and love, we find strength and courage, rest, peace and hope that cannot be found in any other. In Christ alone I place my trust, and find my glory in the power of the cross. In ev’ry victory, let it be said of me, my source of strength, my source of hope is Christ alone.