The Passion And Death Of Christ Series

The cross of Jesus Christ is at the centre of man’s existence on earth. From the moment the first man and woman sinned, it was pre planned by God that Jesus would die on the cross. From that time on, people looked forward in faith to what God promised He would do on the cross to save them. Today we look back and by believing what Jesus has done for us on the cross receive forgiveness and new life. The cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified was meant for the crucifixion of another person, a man named Barabbas, who had been found guilty of rebellion against the Roman government and sentenced to death. When Jesus Christ took his place it meant that Barabbas was declared not guilty and set free. Barabbas represents each one of us. We are all guilty of rebellion against God and deserve to die. But Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God took our place on the cross, that we might be freed from the sentence of death and set free. Christ paid a great price for our redemption. The price was the most horrible form of death - crucifixion - described as a merciless form of torture that deliberately prolonged the pain and postponed death for as long as possible. To the Romans it was so shameful that it was reserved for slaves and the worst criminals but it was God’s chosen way of salvation. Christ died as our substitute. He died instead of us, so that we might not have to die for our sins. But He also died as our representative, so that when He died we died with Him. Jesus Christ shed His blood to pay the penalty for our sin and for our forgiveness. Have you received God’s forgiveness and new life? Jesus offers us the gift of eternal life if we would accept His sacrifice and acknowledge Him as Saviour and Lord. You can accept His gift today and if you have already done so the simplest and purest expression of true faith is to say Thank You. The more we thank Him, the more we will believe what He has done for us. And the more we believe, the more we will want to thank Him. Amen!