Church family,
We are fast approaching the time of year where we remember and celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection. For Christians it is a time of thankfulness and praise. Jesus willingly coming to this sinful world, living here with us, giving His life as the payment for our sin is only part of the story.
His coming wasn’t a reaction to something that went terribly wrong. No, it was planned long before you and I took our first breath. Consider Colossians 1:15-17 (NLT) “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” Also Acts 2:23 (ESV) “this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.”
Jesus came on a planned mission to provide the payment for the sin of man, so that those who, by faith, looked to Him for forgiveness, would receive salvation!
Now it wasn’t just His payment for our sin that saved us. If He had simply died on the cross we would still have no hope for forgiveness of sin. Yes, Jesus was the perfect, sinless sacrifice that with His life paid the penalty for our sin. But it was His resurrection from the grave that secured forgiveness and life eternal for all who believe! Death is the penalty for our sin. But trusting in Jesus’ work on the cross and resurrection from the dead, gives us new life in Him! He took our place and we were justified (declared right with God) when He died and rose again! The work for our salvation was finished! The mission was accomplished!
On Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday we will look at what was accomplished.
The mission accomplished gives forgiveness and hope for tomorrow! For that, we give praise and are eternally grateful!
Walking with you,
Pastor Brian