During this time of the year, there is so much mentioned about Jesus, specifically his life, his death and resurrection. Why did Jesus have to die? Was he just an unfortunate man given a death sentence of crucifixion because he infuriated the religious establishment of his day? Was he betrayed because he got mixed up with the wrong people? Was he just a self-proclaimed prophet with delusions of grandeur? Perhaps, you have asked these questions. To fully understand we must further explore who Jesus is and who we are.
WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? – Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God, but also is God. (John 1:1 & 14, Colossians 2:9). Jesus was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18). In his humanity, he experienced many of the same things that we do with the exception that he was sinless and perfect (Hebrews 4:15). He preached the Gospel of salvation (Matthew 4:23). Jesus’ birth (Isaiah 7:14) and crucifixion (Isaiah 53:4-6) were prophesied by the Prophet Isaiah before 700 years he was born. These prophecies were fulfilled in the new testament (Matthew 1:18 & Matthew 27:27-56).
WHO WE ARE – According to the scriptures, we are all sinners. The Bible says in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The penalty of sin is eternal separation from God forever (Romans 6:23). Because we are sinful, we do not have the power to atone for our own sins or save ourselves from the penalty of sin. The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8-9(NLT), “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” This means that no one can earn a place in heaven by doing good works, having good conduct, going to church, being baptized or being a part of a religious group or denomination. No one can earn a relationship with God or save themselves by doing any or all of these things.
WHY JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD – In Jesus’ time on earth, he did many wonderful things. He healed the sick and performed many miracles. In John 10:10, Jesus said that he had come so that we might have life more abundantly. He came into the world to resolve our sin problem. Hebrews 9:22 says, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Because all people are sinful and sin separates us from God, Jesus Christ who was perfect and sinless was born with the very specific purpose of being the sacrifice to pay the punishment for the sins of all mankind. Only the pure and perfect blood of Jesus can wash away all sin (1 Timothy 2:5-6, Acts 4:12). The very reason why Jesus was born is because God loves you and wants to save you from the penalties of sin! This is why he sent his Son Jesus Christ into the world… To pay for something that you cannot pay for yourself. God wants to have a personal relationship with you through his Son Jesus Christ. John 3:16, the most famous verse in the Bible says it all. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” God’s gift to the world is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Eternal life is a free gift given by the grace of God.
JESUS’ DEATH WAS NO ACCIDENT – Jesus’ death on the cross was not the result of a chain of unfortunate events. Jesus clearly understood that his mission here on earth was to be the atoning sacrifice for the world. In Mark 8:31, Jesus told his disciples, “the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.” Jesus willingly became a sacrifice for all of mankind. In John 10:17-18, Jesus says, “I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again…” He made it clear that salvation and redemption were through him alone (John 14:6). When Jesus was dying upon the cross and his sacrificial work was complete, he said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit (John 19:30). Jesus endured a horrible, painful and slow death and the debt for our sins have been paid in full through his act of selfless sacrifice. This is why Christians, who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ celebrate Good Friday. It was the day that we remember with deep reflection the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us.
JESUS IS ALIVE FOREVER MORE – “I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive for ever and ever!” (Revelation 1:18). The story of redemption does not end with Jesus’ death and burial. Just as Jesus told his disciples, he rose from the grave three days after his death upon the cross. After Jesus arose, he appeared both to individuals, such as Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18) and Peter (1 Corinthians 15:5)—and to small groups of people—such as the two men on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-27) and his disciples Acts 1:3-11. 1 Corinthians 15:6 tells of five hundred followers seeing him at once. Jesus Christ is alive, and he offers eternal life for those who place their complete faith and trust in him. Jesus will return to earth at the Second Coming for those who have placed their faith and trust in him. (Matthew 24:30, Acts 1:11, Titus 2:13).
WHAT THIS MEANS TO THE WORLD – God loves you so very much. Even when you feel at your utmost lowest or felt like you cannot be forgiven please know that God loves you more than you know and has incredible plans for you. No person is beyond his love. Today, there is forgiveness of sins at the foot of the cross. Jesus Christ already paid the price in your place. All you have to do is reach out and accept his forgiveness. Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is very simple. It requires turning away from your sins (repenting) and trusting (having faith) in Christ alone for eternal life. All you have to do is admit to God that you are a sinner and agree that your sin is separating you from him. Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the punishment for your sins and was raised from the dead and accept his forgiveness. You must be willing to turn your life over to God and give him control over your life. If this is what you want to do, all you have to say is a simple prayer like this:
“Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. Today, I turn away from my sins and ask for forgiveness. I also place my complete faith and trust in Jesus Christ’s death on the cross to pay the punishment for my sins and believe he rose from the dead. I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Dear God, take control of my life from this day forward and help me to follow your plan for my life. Thank you for saving me. It is in the name of Jesus’ that I pray. Amen.”
If you’ve prayed this prayer or have more questions, please comment or click here to contact us. If you already know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please share this article with those in your life that don’t know him personally. Thanks for listening and God bless you!
