What Jesus' Death Changed

Mark: If you keep hearing that Jesus died for you and you just nod along, this is for you. What did that actually change?

Sarah: That's a fair thing to wonder. The letter, which presents itself as from Peter, was addressed to people scattered across Asia Minor who were suffering for their faith, and in the middle of that it speaks of Christ's suffering. Here's 1 Peter 3:18.

Scripture: Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

Mark: Okay, so it happened once, and it was for other people. That might still sound abstract. What does it do for someone like you?

Sarah: The verse says Christ suffered that he might bring you to God. I want you to hear that.

Mark: But he died. You might wonder if that's just a sad ending. Where's the good news in that part?

Sarah: The verse says he was made alive, and Peter's passage goes on to speak of a good conscience toward God through Jesus Christ's resurrection.

Mark: And you might guess it all comes down to your own strength?

Sarah: Working Preacher notes it isn't by our own strength, but by Christ's resurrection, that we're freed to serve God. I stumble all the time myself, and I lean on that same grace. I love you, and I want you to know God. Try telling God, I want to know you. Follow along for more.