This holiday season is the perfect time to remember God’s gift of His Son, Jesus, to mankind so that we may be cleansed from sin and live in eternity with Him. This is the most precious, incomprehensible and substantial gift ever given in human history. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
Because Jesus came down from heaven, dwelt among humanity, died on a cross and was resurrected by the Spirit of the Lord, we can live on earth free from the chains of sin and fear of death. Jesus’ sole mission during His first coming was literally to pay the penalty for sin that entered the world because of Adam and Eve’s rebellion in the Garden of Eden. All humans sinned and continue to sin. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23.
Sin separates. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23. This is what the cross is all about – addressing human sin that separates us from God.“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:2.
One may inquire as to why there is such a seemingly harsh penalty for sin. There are so many things that are beyond human understanding that I won’t even attempt to explain. But I would simply say because God is God. He is the one true, eternal, immortal, Judge and King of the ages – He is set apart. He is holy. Thus, as the sole, eternal, immortal Supreme being, He chooses to not live eternally with sinful beings. God calls the shots and makes the rules for His own creation. Per God, there is no remission of sin without the shedding of blood. Hebrews 9:22.
Here is an illustration of man with the gift of Jesus versus man without the gift of Jesus:
Take note that one is only righteous in the eyes of God when they accept the gift of Jesus (the only righteous one) and His work on the cross. No amount of good deeds, money or religious acts can bring us to God. Jesus is the only bridge to the Father. His blood – shed for the remission of our sins – bridges the gap! Think of this as being clothed in righteousness – wrapped in Jesus. Ephesians 4:22-24. Hallelujah!
On the flip side, there is a separate place reserved for people who are not righteous in the eyes of God because they failed to accept Jesus (and be saved). That place is outside of the presence of the one true Holy God forever. “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others…” 2 Peter 2:4-5.
I don’t know about you, but I’m grateful that God loved us so much to not leave us in such a hopeless state. Humans were doomed, BUT GOD… wanted to be with us so He created a solution to the sin and death problem even before time began – before the foundation of the world was laid. Even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. Ephesians 1:4. This was long before any of us ever existed physically in this world – but He knew us!
Jesus was that solution all along. He drank the cup of God’s wrath for sin atoning for past, present and future sins of humans. In the end, Jesus prevails over death, too (which was never part of God’s plan for mankind). Death will be the last enemy to be defeated. 1 Corinthians 15:26. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:15.
God wants us. He wanted us all along y’all – which is why He created us – for Himself. He created us in His image for His glory. Colossians 1:16. The enemy, who is more real than the device you’re reading on, doesn’t want you to know this.
We live in a world that is hostile to the gospel (message of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection) and to God generally, but the truth must be proclaimed. People are lost and spiritual relativism is at an all time high. Everyone is living their “truth” and/or or doing what is “right in their own eyes” as in the days of the judges. But, besides Jesus, there is no other way. Jesus told us: I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:16.
Those of us who accept the gift of Jesus can live in this crazy world knowing that our sins are forgiven and hopeful that we will one day be resurrected just as Jesus was. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:20.
Note that ALL will rise – yes, you too! Those who don’t accept God’s gift of Jesus will simply rise to an alternative reality – an eternity without God. There shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” Acts 24:15. I can’t begin to imagine being resurrected and living forever separated from my creator. Scary movies aren’t necessarily my thing, and I’ve watched a few in my days. However, this is by far the scariest thing I’ve ever encountered – and I didn’t even have to see it on film.
Thank God for the blood!