“It is finished!” These simple words expressed a complexity far from simple! Jesus had accepted a mission that was only possible for HIM to accomplish! From the beginning God had a plan to rescue the world from the inevitable consequences of their sin and separation from Him. He sent His Son! Summarized in the following familiar verse, this truth was now available to all of us who believe!
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He sent His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV) Jesus, as God’s Son, had accepted the mission to come to earth, live as a man (as God-incarnate) in order that we could better know and understand the love God the Father has for us. But, there was a price that had to be paid. “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a NIV) but there is also a promise “…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b NIV) He who was sinless, accepted the punishment for all of us who are sinful. In Romans 3:23 we read, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (NIV) The next verse reiterates the gift we are offered: “ …and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24 NIV) See www.biblestudytools.com to read these and other verses.
This may or may not be news to you, perhaps it is something that you have heard many times. I have heard it since I’ve been a child, but still I need to ponder the significance of it. I need to remember that God’s love was (and is) so unconditional that He loved me before I could ever love Him in return. He forgives me (see 1 John 1:9) when I confess my sin to Him, so therefore I need to, and am able to forgive myself and others!
Some have wondered why this day is called “Good” Friday, as it represents suffering and death. But, it is good, because God did for us something we could not do for ourselves. We can never earn or deserve God’s grace, it is a gift. (see Ephesians 2:8-9) A gift, waiting to be received!
Dear Lord, Show me the significance of this gift every day, so it doesn’t become just a cliché! Help me to receive it, and be renewed by it. I confess my sin to you, and desire to receive the gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for me! Thank you for this gift and for your love! Amen!