12:25
The cross was much more than an example, it produced a real change in our position. Our sin was atoned for, we were justified. So any view of the cross that sees it as only an example is woefully inadequate, but at the same time it is an example. Just as Jesus had to go to the cross, so we must carry our cross. Jesus lived to please the Father and was prepared to forfeit His own life in the process. We too must be prepared to follow Jesus whatever the cost. This can be very difficult, but it is also very sensible. If we seek to keep our own life then we will in fact end up losing it, but if we are prepared to suffer for Christ we will actually get eternal life and be infinitely better off.
12:26
So we must follow Jesus and go along the same path of obedience that He followed, but this is not all cost in this life. For we will be with Jesus and the Father will honour us. This is the choice before us in life. Will we follow Jesus or go our own way? Do we want a life without God or a life with God? One way will lead to death, the other to eternal life. Being with God is what we were created for.
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