Healing Through Christ

10/20/2024

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
- 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)

As we read today’s verse, we are reminded of the immense price Christ paid for our freedom. Peter’s words bring into focus the core of the gospel—the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross. In just a few words, Peter captures the heart of salvation and the transformation available to each of us through Christ.

Jesus didn’t just die for our sins; He bore them. The word “bore” implies that He carried them, took them upon Himself, and made them His own. In His perfect sinlessness, He willingly accepted the burden of our failures, our rebellion, and every wrong thought, word, and action we’ve ever committed. Picture the enormity of that weight, every sin of every person throughout all of history, laid on the shoulders of the One who had never sinned. This was the great exchange: He took our sins, and in return, gave us His righteousness.

Dying to Sin, Living for Righteousness

The purpose of Christ’s sacrifice wasn’t just to forgive us, but to transform us. Peter writes, “so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.” This speaks of a fundamental change in our nature. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer slaves to sin. The old sinful self has been crucified with Christ, and we are given the power to live a new life, one that reflects God’s righteousness. This doesn’t mean we will never struggle with sin again, but the chains that once bound us have been broken.

To “die to sins” means we no longer let sin have dominion over our lives. We may stumble, but sin is no longer our master. Instead, we are free to pursue righteousness—to live in a way that pleases God. Living for righteousness is not about legalistic rule-keeping; it’s about living out of a transformed heart. When we accept Jesus, He begins to work in us, shaping us to be more like Him. This is a lifelong process of growth and sanctification, but the foundation has been laid by His work on the cross.

By His Wounds, You Have Been Healed

The last part of the verse shifts to a powerful promise: “by his wounds you have been healed.” These words echo Isaiah 53:5, where the prophet foretold the suffering of the Messiah, who would be pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. But Peter reminds us that this prophecy has already been fulfilled. Jesus’ wounds—the lashes He endured, the nails driven into His hands and feet—were not just physical sufferings; they were the means by which healing and wholeness are offered to us.

This healing is comprehensive. First and foremost, it speaks of spiritual healing. Because of Christ’s wounds, the sickness of our sin has been cured. We are no longer separated from God, but have been reconciled to Him. This is the most important kind of healing because it restores us to our Creator, giving us eternal life and peace with God.

But the promise of healing in this verse also extends to the physical and emotional realms. While we may not always experience physical healing in this life, we can trust that God’s power is still at work. He heals in ways that go beyond our understanding. Sometimes He brings immediate, miraculous healing; other times, He gives us strength and peace in the midst of suffering. And we have the hope that in eternity, all sickness, pain, and suffering will be completely wiped away.

As believers, we are called to live in the reality of this healing every day. Whether we are struggling with physical illness, emotional pain, or the ongoing battle with sin, we can rest in the truth that Jesus has already won the victory. His wounds have brought us healing, and His resurrection has given us new life.

We must continually come back to the cross and remember the depth of Christ’s sacrifice. When we are tempted to carry our burdens alone, we need to be reminded that He already carried them for us. When we feel broken, unworthy, or distant from God, we can look to the cross and see how far He went to bring us near. Our healing is not dependent on anything we can do; it is solely a gift of grace, received by faith.

Take a moment today to meditate on the areas of your life where you need healing. Is it a physical condition, an emotional wound, or a struggle with sin? Bring these to Jesus in prayer, knowing that He has already made provision for your healing. Trust that, in His timing and according to His will, He will bring restoration.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live in the freedom of righteousness that Christ has given you. Sin no longer has power over you, and you are called to live a new life of holiness and purpose. How can you pursue righteousness today in your thoughts, words, and actions? Let Christ’s love be your motivation as you strive to reflect His character.

Lord Jesus, thank You for bearing my sins in Your body on the cross. I am overwhelmed by the love and sacrifice You showed for me. Help me to die to sin and live for righteousness, empowered by Your Spirit. I trust in Your promise of healing—spiritually, physically, and emotionally—and I bring my burdens to You today. By Your wounds, I am healed, and I give You all the praise and glory. In Your precious name, Amen.

Pastor Jeff

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