APPLICATION FOR LIVING
How shall we apply the atonement to our daily life with God? In achieving a deeper understanding of His will and purposes behind the Cross, we are left with a sense of awe in the love and the righteousness of His character, and our unmerited good fortune to have been called. I will build on the list provided by Demarest (Pages 196-198).

First, we can only respond to the Cross in humility. Humility born from His sacrifice of holiness for such undeserving sinners and from the knowledge that He chose us and His grace is the only difference between us and the lost. Second, we are stimulated to holiness, since the cross breaks the hold of sin over us, freeing us to live lives that are consecrated to Him. We must be different than the world around us, or we are not truly saved.

Third, we are moved to live a compassionate, boldly loving life. We turn outward to others who are lost and needy, and we make them our prime focus, not ourselves. We resolutely share the gospel with others in response to the gift we’ve received, and in recognition of the fate that awaits the lost. Fourth, we are called to foster share our relationship with God with others and build it into peace-making relationships with others. Fifth, we are moved to live a life of patient endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus and recalling the scorn he endured for us (Heb. 12:2-3).

Finally, we are to live a life devoted to Christ in every way, so that we individually, and in community as His church, do become the radiant bride He died for, and that we do prevail as He has willed. As individuals we overcome or prevail against the world (1 John 5:4) and as a church, we overcome or prevail against even the gates of hell (Matthew 16:18). This is victorious living, brought to us by our Creator and Savior, and Lord!

“It is finished”. (John 19:30)

May we bring these purposes to bear and accurately communicate the Cross of Jesus Christ at Mariemont Community Church.

Soli Deo Gloria.

(Edited September 28, 2005)