Christ won our victory over sin and death through his death and resurrection.

Through baptism in his water and word, we receive his grace and the Holy Spirit, trusting in his promise of return and the new creation we’re still waiting to see.

Scripture constantly encourages us to wait for that glorious day.

2 Peter 3 tells us the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will pass away with a roar, but according to his promise, we’re waiting for new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells.

Jesus urges us to stay ready. “Stay awake,” he says in Matthew 24, “you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”

Paul encourages the Corinthians to run the race to obtain the prize. The author of Hebrews reminds us we’re surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, urging us to “run with endurance the race set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”

What joy drove Jesus to the cross? Your salvation and mine.

Through Christ, all things were created, and by his grace we’ll be joined with him forever. All our concerns and prayers — he hears them.

We cry “Lord, come quickly,” knowing he loves and cares for us as our high priest and intercessor.

God gives you faith to trust and hold onto Jesus.

Through his Holy Spirit, nothing can pull you from the Lord’s hands, not even death.

He strengthens you through his word and sacrament, his body and blood, his faithful promises.

Remember Jesus’ words: “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

The victory is already won. It belongs to you. Christ brings you to himself through faith and the Holy Spirit’s power, and he will make all things new.

Contributor Merritt Demski is the Pastor at St. John’s in Alta, Iowa.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #allthingsnew

If you have questions or topics that you’d like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
——
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings