My “go-to” verse proving us Christians are now bought by our Lord Jesus, that we are His property … is found in the Book of 1st Corinthians. But it’s a negative approach to the subject. “Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a Price.” (That Price being the precious Blood of Jesus! According to 1st Peter 1:18-19.)

I have today found a positive way of expressing that same Truth. A new way to say an old thing!

Still in 1st Corinthians … “Ye are Christ’s.” That plain! (But not all that simple!) The Name or Title “Christ” used here speaks of Jesus as Messiah! Jesus as God’s perfect Prophet, Priest and King! The Name is also grammatically framed in the genitive case, as a Proper Noun. That’s another way to show possession!

I BELONG TO HIM!

PERIOD!

In Matthew chapter 20, one of Jesus’ least familiar Parables, a landowner asks this question to a group of grumbling servants … “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?”

My point?

If we belong to Jesus … His “will” must be paramount in our lives! To do with us what He wishes, pleases!

I just last night read the following sentence, not knowing I would be writing this particular Article (Devotional) this morning … “Submit to nothing but the will of God!”

Do not submit to fear or temptation or some current fad or political correctness or anything else. This list could be endless!

Yield yourself to the One Who “owns” you!

Does that sound distasteful to you? Like some form of slavery?

Call it what you will … but it is in reality basic Christianity.

“Speak Lord, for Thy servant heareth!” (1st Samuel 3:9)

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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