Without the Bible, we probably wouldn’t have guessed that the benefits from the cross are ours immediately without further conditions or restrictions:
“Everyone who believes in Him is set free from all the sins …” Acts 13:39
“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Rom 6:23
“In union with Christ Jesus, you who used to be far away are brought near by the blood of Christ.” Eph 2:13
These benefits are the “fruit,” that is, the results, of the gospel.
List of Benefits
These benefits are found within scripture verses that explicitly say they result from Christ’s death.
We are saved, because we are rescued from sin’s:
Accusation (we are justified)
Power (we are redeemed)
Penalty (we are saved from wrath)
Presence (we have eternal life)
Guilt (we are forgiven)
We have a relationship with God, in that we are:
Adopted as God’s children
Friends with God (reconciled)
Members of God’s kingdom
Brought near to God
Belong to God
Know Jesus
Have direct access to God
Enjoy Community Life
Dividing wall broken down
Enjoy blessings
Covenant blessings
Peace
Clean Hearts
Hope
Life in its fullness
Effects on our actions:
we’re moved to repent and believe
we’re given purpose in life
we’re moved to fight personal sin
we’re made eager to live for good
we’re moved to live in sincerity and truth
Notice that the “results” correspond with the “problems:”
Problem: Results (benefits):
Separation ——————— > brought near (solves a root problem)
Symptoms, like “guilt” ——— > forgiveness (solves a “felt need.”)
Disobedience ——————– > new life (power to live for God)
Example:
One symptom of sin is “aimlessness, lack of purpose, feeling that life has no meaning.” The benefit of receiving “new life” solves this felt need by providing a sense of purpose:
“We are God’s workmanship; created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He has already prepared for us to do.”
Eph 2:10
The “So-That” passages. (link)
They show a connection between Jesus’ death, Lordship, and purpose for life.
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