(posted : Friday Apr 22, 2011)
Today is Good Friday. Today is the day that we remember that Jesus Christ, who is Almighty God in the flesh, died a horrible death on the cross, and that God "made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21, HCSB).
But I have a problem with this whole scenario: it really doesn't make sense! Why would God, who is self sufficient, who is perfect and holy, who has no need of man in any way to complete Him or make Him satisfied, become sin? God cannot have anything to do with sin. No sin is allowed in His presence. But He came to earth just to die in my place and in your place and in the place of every human who ever set foot on earth! And not only did He die, but He actually became sin! While Jesus was on the cross, God the Father turned His back on God the Son. For the first and only time in eternity, God separated from God!
Take a moment to allow that to sink in. When I think about it, I am dumbfounded.
Good Friday is not just a time to go to a church service, sing a song or say a prayer. Good Friday is not just another time to have off of school or leave work early. It is the time we remember the most amazing thing that ever took place. My sins; your sins; forgiven; paid for; wiped away.
My friends, this is love; this is grace; this is mercy; this is forgiveness. Jesus paid the way to Heaven because you and I cannot. Have you accepted His gift? Have you put your faith in Him alone for forgiveness and eternity in Heaven? No baptism, no deeds, no giving of money, no good behavior can ever do for you what Jesus already did. Stop trusting in yourself. See Jesus for who He really is and what He really did for you. This is the best way to celebrate Good Friday.
Today is Good Friday. Today is the day that we remember that Jesus Christ, who is Almighty God in the flesh, died a horrible death on the cross, and that God "made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21, HCSB).
But I have a problem with this whole scenario: it really doesn't make sense! Why would God, who is self sufficient, who is perfect and holy, who has no need of man in any way to complete Him or make Him satisfied, become sin? God cannot have anything to do with sin. No sin is allowed in His presence. But He came to earth just to die in my place and in your place and in the place of every human who ever set foot on earth! And not only did He die, but He actually became sin! While Jesus was on the cross, God the Father turned His back on God the Son. For the first and only time in eternity, God separated from God!
Take a moment to allow that to sink in. When I think about it, I am dumbfounded.
Good Friday is not just a time to go to a church service, sing a song or say a prayer. Good Friday is not just another time to have off of school or leave work early. It is the time we remember the most amazing thing that ever took place. My sins; your sins; forgiven; paid for; wiped away.
My friends, this is love; this is grace; this is mercy; this is forgiveness. Jesus paid the way to Heaven because you and I cannot. Have you accepted His gift? Have you put your faith in Him alone for forgiveness and eternity in Heaven? No baptism, no deeds, no giving of money, no good behavior can ever do for you what Jesus already did. Stop trusting in yourself. See Jesus for who He really is and what He really did for you. This is the best way to celebrate Good Friday.
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