This passage of Scripture tells us that Jesus Christ loved the church (and each individual member in it), the evidence of which is that He gave Himself up for us.
Jesus on the cross exemplifies selfless love poured out for undeserving people. His love pursued even God's enemies to death and back, choosing to suffer and die to express His love for us. That's true love!
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
1 John 3:16
Jesus' death is a cleansing fountain that washes us from sin's dirt and defilement, making us holy. His atoning blood pays for our wrongs and cleanses us of all impurity. When a Roman soldier pierced Jesus' side, blood and water flowed out, forgiving every sin and washing them away, making us white as snow. Can you see it?
“...and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."
Ephesians 5:27
Question 4. According to Ephesians 5:27, what did the cross of Jesus Christ make you (as a believer in Jesus)?
Do you believe what the Bible says about the cross and its effects on you? It tells you:
The blood of Jesus is a stain remover. Unlike store-bought detergents, the blood of Jesus removes 100 percent of all sin stains.
The cross is a washing machine. Jesus has taken all your defilement upon Himself, all your impurity, and He has died to remove it all, thereby making you clean, “white as snow." You should see this as your identity!
The death of Jesus is an ironing board. It takes our lives, which were all disheveled and wrinkled with sin, and irons us out and makes us straight and wrinkle-free.
The cross is a great exchange. On the cross, Jesus took all your sins, and there He gave you all His righteousness. He removed the dark spots and made you pure, holy, and clean. He made you radiant!
Jesus on the cross washes us clean, removes our every stain, and makes us pure and holy by faith. The power of the cross also changes our desires, loves, and passions. Stay at the cross, receive Jesus' forgiveness, and let His blood cleanse you.
This is the first and most important principle of freedom: Washing at the cross. Do you see the importance of it?
Question 5. What did you learn in this lesson, and how will you apply it in your life?
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Next week we begin looking at the second principle of freedom: Walking by the Spirit!