This Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, when the Church begins to focus on the suffering and death of Christ. The central teaching of Christianity is that Jesus suffered for sinners to accomplish all things needful for our salvation. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
God did not want to see us suffer the true punishment for our sin, so he sent his son to take our place on the cross. It isn’t a pretty picture. He was whipped, spit upon, and nailed to a cross. But it was more than bodily pain, for “The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” That is what our sins deserved, yet, Christ endured it to overcome everything that stood in between us and God. He rose again which proves the Father accepted his sacrifice for our sin. Whoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life.
Many are unsure of what will happen to them after this life, but they don’t need to be. God sent his son for them too. Others perhaps think that they are not worthy of heaven, yet, God sent his son to live the perfect life for them too. As true God and Man in one Person, Jesus provided us the sure foundation of His life, death, and resurrection. His voice assures us that he made us acceptable to the Father, saying from the cross, “It is finished.” He was dead, but now he lives to never die again. He lives to send us his word and spirit to open our eyes of understanding and to give us the true saving faith.
- Pastor Wyatt Rosebrock