If you ever have a doubt about the seriousness of sin, just look at the cross. The Bible says that “while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) The cross is the strongest evidence available of God’s judgment upon sin. Sin is rebellion against God. Sin is missing the mark and falling short of what God expects of us. Sin is disobedience to God. Sin has serious consequences not just in this life but in eternity.
Christ died to save us from our sins. The Cross was God’s plan for our redemption. Never think for a moment that Jesus’ death was an accident or a mistake or something that just happened to Jesus. Jesus came to die and to take upon himself the judgment of God against sin that each one of us deserves (1 Peter 2:24). He came to take our place and to offer us redemption and eternal life.
Do not be misled as some would suggest and think that Jesus did not really suffer, that he did not really die or even that he did not really rise from the grave. Jesus’ suffering, death, burial and resurrection were real historical events. It was all in the plan of God who loved us so much that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Let me encourage you this week to find a quiet place and time to read the Gospel accounts of the price that Christ paid for our sins. You will find the story in Matthew 26 – 28, Mark 11-16, Luke 22 – 24 and John 17 – 21.
As you read the Gospel story, note the differences and the similarities in the accounts. Read slowly, deliberately and prayerfully taking in the significance of what is said, what Jesus experienced and what it means for each of us. Let the Holy Spirit reveal to you the depth of God’s love, grace and forgiveness. Ponder the triumph and victory of the cross and the resurrection for all who believe. Then give thanks to God for the cost and pain that God absorbed on our behalf. If you ever doubt that there is a Heaven and a Hell in the life to come, just look at the cross.
In His Love,
Charles
