"Do not destroy with your food
the one for whom Christ died."
Romans 14:15
A Christian was trying to share the gospel of Christ with another man. He told the man that Christ died for all of his sins. Then, he explained that God raised Jesus from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The man interrupted him to ask, "How can I know that Christ really died for me?" The Christian quickly responded, "The same way I know. The Bible tells us so." He opened his Bible and read these words, "Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (1 Timothy 2:5-6). Then, he said, "All includes you, and me, and everyone."
The apostle Paul was concerned about a conflict in the church over eating food sacrificed to idols. He did not want that issue to take emphasis off Christ crucified. He wrote, "Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food" (Romans 14:20). To think that someone may not be saved by Christ, who died for their sins, was always the focus of Paul. For whom Christ died is the primary issue.
The death of Christ for our sins is only applied to our lives when we believe. The gospel of our salvation is provided in Christ, and applied by faith. "Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith" (Romans 3:25). The sacrifice of Christ for our sins is offered to everyone. That offer is received by grace through faith. Believe that Christ died for your sins, all of them.
God, we praise You that our sins are forgiven at the cross of Jesus.
