True Christianity – May 2, 2023
If we read the information and explanations about when or on what day the actual crucifixion of Jesus took place (read previous Ps. Steven Agustinus’ Daily Devotion), we can draw several conclusions:
1. Ever since Caesar Constantine declared himself a Christian, there have been so many things in Christianity that were in fact ‘made’ by him.
One of them is ‘Good Friday’. The crucifixion of Jesus is a historical event that cannot be denied. It was due to ignorance about Jewish traditions and customs that Constantine stated that Jesus died on Friday, bearing in mind that immediately after Jesus’ death, the Jews observed the Sabbath (which falls on Saturday). And this continues to be ‘accepted’ by all churches that follow Western Christianity.
2. Many traditions, cultures, and religious practices are already embedded in the Christian life, and hence many people are quite content with merely following religious traditions, celebrations, and practices without experiencing the reality of God and the power of His love!
This is the most fundamental aspect that we must dismantle from our Christian life:
• There is no problem for us to commemorate Jesus’ death on Friday (as we always do; even though He was crucified on a Wednesday), as long as we truly experience the work of redemption, and forgiveness of sins, and are born again to become a New Creation!
• There is no problem with celebrating the birthday of Jesus together with three magi, although there were in fact more than three magi, as long as we continue to have an overflow of gratitude from within us because of the birth of the Savior.
• There is no problem for us to go on a ‘pilgrimage’ to Israel and visit places that are believed to be the location of Jesus’ birth, crucifixion, and even the empty tomb despite those were built by Emperor Constantine approximately 400-450 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Roman Empire destroyed regions in Israel around 70 AD, which means that the actual locations have changed much or have shifted geographically.
Crucially, we believe that He was born, He ministered, suffered torment and pain for our sins, and died on the cross for our atonement, and He rose on the third day, defeated all the powers of Satan, hell, and death to then be glorified at the right hand of the Father. Became the King above all kings.
Make certain we experience the working of the same resurrection power that worked in Jesus, to happen as well in our daily lives.
True Christianity is absolutely unaffected by religious symbols, celebrations, or rituals! The essence of true Christianity lies in the reality of Christ and the work of the power of the resurrection in our everyday lives!
This is the time we truly need to pursue the reality of God to become real in our lives. Ensuring the power of His resurrection revives our daily life to be in a position as a child of God who is different and privileged. So that no matter how many people interact with us, they will as well experience the reality of the power of His resurrection touching and changing their lives.
Revelation 21:5 (NIV) He who was seated on the throne said, “I AM MAKING EVERYTHING NEW!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
In the spirit of prophecy, the apostle John emphasized what believers will enjoy is bound to overflow to everyone who interacts with them:
Revelation 21:4 (NIV) ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
That is the true reality of Christianity. Reach it by the hand of your faith and enjoy the reality of the fulfillment of His Word in your daily life.
Ps. Steven Agustinus
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