Resurrection Words Day 1: Cross

 Resurrection Words Day 1: Cross

"He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."  Isaiah 53:5

The cross of Good Friday begins our journey, for "the cross reveals to us the character of God: His love for lost sinners and His perfect justice meet at the cross". (Pastor Steven Cole, bible.org)

"But God demonstrate his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 8:5

"God presents Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood -  to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished - he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." Romans 3:25-26

Jesus knew the Father's purpose for his incarnate life; that eventually he would have to embrace the call to obediently give up his life in order to reconcile man to God. His life, his blood, would be the payment for the penalty of our sin. God reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ (2Corinthians 5:18).

The writer of the book of Hebrews says, "he [Jesus] suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone." (Hebrews 2:9) He goes on to say later in the book, that Jesus is "the author and perfecter - the beginner and completer - of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." Ephesians 1:7

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

The cross is a symbol of love, of salvation, of grace, of sacrifice, of obedience, of reconciliation, of peace, of joy, of righteousness, and of faith.

Read the scripture passages above again, slowly. Reflect on the following question:

Christ died for me, how then shall I live for him?

 

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