Mark Vestal Supporter Proud of nothing of myself. Freed by Christ who did it all!

It is a fair question as there is an eternal cost (wage) for sin, which is death. Christ, who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us, so that by His shed blood (His death) the sins of the world were purchased. Suffice it to say that Christ received our 'punishment' (the "reconciling" at the cross was indeed punishing) in making the payment for our sins.

2 Cor 5:19
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."

Believers become the 'property' of Jesus Christ. They now belong to Him and are therefore no longer bound to serve sin. They have been freed from following that 'master' of the flesh and now have the authority, right, and obligation to serve Christ as His adopted through the Spirit.

1 Cor 6:20
"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

Eph 3:1
"For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,"

Paul uses the term "prisoner" to show who he now belongs to. Not as a negative view of Christ being his/our Lord, it is the alternate "gift" for sinners who are trapped in darkness finding they no longer desire serving their prior master in the flesh, sin. They see the Light that God has offered through Christ crucified for them, and believe this to be true unto their salvation. They have been purchased by the blood of Christ and sealed by and indwelt with "the holy Spirit of promise", whom by desire will begin to follow (Eph 4:30).

Eph 1:12-14
"That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."

Christ will gather His "purchased possession" upon His return in the clouds for those who have placed their faith in Him, His death, burial, and resurrection (1 Thes 4:17).

1 Cor 15:1-4
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"

Believers are essentially in agreement with God that it was indeed by the blood of Jesus Christ that the payment (wage) for their sin debt was satisfied, rather than by any "filthy rag" effort or merit of themselves (Eph 2:8-9).

It is only by the grace of God that through faith alone in Christ alone sinners are freed from what would otherwise now be an eternal wage for their lack of faith in Christ's payment for their sins.

October 10 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Although we usually consider "wages" in a positive sense as a deserved payment or benefit received for work performed, the word itself is neutral in that respect (similar to the word "result", for example) and thus can also have a contrasting negative meaning associated with a prescribed consequence or penalty that is also "earned", but for inaction or wrong/sinful actions.

October 10 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report