He died once for all!

From Genesis- the first book of the Bible until Resurrection Sunday what we see is our holy, righteous, Creator God pursuing a rebellious, sinful, created people.  Over an over again we see this pattern of man’s rejection of God, followed by man’s realization of his need for God, then a crying out to God, followed by a pouring out of God’s mercy and restoration of relationship between God and man; always and only made possible by God.  Our salvation is not dependent on anything we do- the truth is there is nothing we can do to be saved. Man’s salvation is completely dependent on God- not what we can do- but rather what He has done!

And when you study the Bible what you discover is that throughout the history of mankind God points to the One who would come to take away the sins of the world- an ultimate sacrifice, that One being Jesus Christ- God who came in the flesh to offer Himself up to be crucified for the salvation of mankind for any who would believe.

John the Baptist said it well, as Jesus approached him to be baptized John said of Jesus,

“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”  John 1:29 (NIV)

Jesus did go to the cross, Jesus did die a physical death- His perfect, spotless sinless blood was shed.  He was buried and He rose again showing power and victory over sin and death.  Jesus did take away the sin of the world and… everyone who turns to God for forgiveness of sin and trusts in the finished work of Christ for salvation is saved- To God be all glory!!!

Amen,

Pastor Jim