Of First Importance
Wednesday’s Verse:
From 1 Corinthians 15:3 ESV
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures”
Saint Paul refers to this truth as “of first importance.” Christianity doesn’t start with our attempt to reach up to God, get ourselves right with Him, or earn a spot in His good books. It starts with what God has already done for us in Christ Jesus.
Christ died for our sins. He didn’t simply show us how to love or die as a martyr to human evil. Jesus took our place at the cross. The sinless Son of God bore the judgment we deserved, took our guilt upon Himself, and reconciled the Father to us.
He did it “according to the Scriptures.” Starting with the promise God made after the fall, through the sacrifices of the OT, to Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering Servant, God was preparing His people for the coming of the Savior. Jesus’ death was no mistake or tragedy. It was the fulfillment of God’s gracious plan of salvation.
So when your conscience condemns you, don’t look at your track record. Look to Jesus on the cross. Your sins may be real, but Christ’s mercy is greater still. Your forgiveness is not based on the strength of your faith but upon the work of Jesus finished.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for dying for my sins according to Your word. When guilt and fear try to overwhelm me turn me to Your cross and remind me that I am forgiven, bought with a price, and belong to You. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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