On the first Easter, Jesus accomplished His mission of coming to earth to die for our sins. It was a mission that only He could accomplish. Let’s let that sit with us for a moment. There is nothing you or I can do personally to save ourselves. God’s unconditional love for us is why Jesus suffered on the cross.
Only Jesus Christ could satisfy the debt for our sins.
The Bible says that everyone has sinned (Romans 3:23), and the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23). However, scripture also tells us that “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Jesus died on the cross. He was buried in a tomb for three days. Then He rose from the grave. He is ALIVE!
The details of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are found in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Those verses of scripture were carefully examined as the Passion of the Christ was directed by Mel Gibson. That movie depicts Jesus being condemned to death; betrayal, denial, and abandonment by some of those closest to Him; and the movie shows beatings, whippings, and screams. Roger Ebert, a well-known movie critic, said, “This is the most violent film I have ever seen” (2004). The purpose of the movie was an attempt to visualize the most important historical event in human history. I’ve seen it, and it makes me uncomfortable (to say the least). More importantly, it makes me humble and causes me to love Jesus more because I can imagine, with a greater sense, the pain and suffering He volunteered for. That pain and suffering that I deserve that He willingly accepted on my behalf.
It is finished! Those were the words Jesus said as "He bowed his head and gave up his spirit " on the cross nearly 2000 years ago (John 19:30). His goal of fulfilling more than 300 prophecies from the Old Testament was finished. His pain and suffering on Calvary was over. He had successfully paid the price for our sins. When He emerged from the tomb, He was ALIVE and that is the reason we know He is the one and only true God!
Hallelujah, Jesus is Alive!
Jesus literally sacrificed His life for ours. He was sinless and did not deserve punishment or death. Yet He stepped into our place to take the punishment for our sins. That is the ultimate definition of unconditional love.
A simple “Thank You” does not seem enough to say to Jesus for what He has done for us. Instead, let’s consider how we can celebrate what Jesus did for us today, tomorrow, and for eternity in Heaven.
In addition to reading the Bible intentionally every day, praying daily, and purposefully improving our relationships with God, I want to recommend my latest book:
Jesus Come Revive America: Forgive Us for We Have Sinned
I believe your life will be transformed as you read the pages of this book and learn more about being a bold and courageous Christian, preparing for revival, and living a Christian lifestyle.
Be blessed my friends!
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