“CHRIST DIED FOR ME”
What does “CHRIST DIED FOR ME” mean?
Who was/is CHRIST?
Why would He have to die?
And why for me?
Jesus Christ is the Creator of all things…God. (Colossians 1:16) (John 1:1-3)
Jesus Christ is uniquely God’s Son in His role in the three-part existence of the Almighty (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). It was in this role that God the Son became flesh. Jesus, lowering Himself to be a human being, was tempted by the fleshly things of the world but resisted, stayed innocent, and was obedient to God the Father.
It all boils down to Love in the form of justice and mercy.
When God created the first humans, Adam and Eve, He gave one restriction which if broken, would lead to death. They broke that restriction because they believed they didn’t need to listen to God. In fact, they believed they could be like God! Breaking that restriction was a rebellion against God and resulted in the death of an idyllic life with God. (Genesis 3:3)
That was sin. Sin is against God.
Because every one of us sins, we each fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) When we sin, we aren’t listening to God and we are acting against Him.
The penalty for sin is death…that kind of death which is a separation from God (Romans 6:23).
We don’t deserve to be with God because we’ve acted against Him. In a just system, the penalty must be paid.
That is justice.
So, what if you are before the judge and upon conviction, you are sentenced to eternity away from God? You must pay the penalty! Unless…
Unless someone with a perfect record speaks up and says mercifully, “I’ll pay the penalty for you”! That Someone with the perfect record is the Judge Himself…Jesus Christ!
That is what happened at the Cross. Christ died for me…and you!!!!
That is mercy.
God's love for us, and His desire to spend eternity with each of us was manifested when Justice and Mercy met at the Cross! (John 3:16)
That is LOVE!
God's love for us, and His desire to spend eternity with each of us was manifested when Justice and Mercy met at the Cross! (John 3:16)
That is LOVE!
We have two choices:
1. “No, I don’t need God. I am good on my own. I think I can be like God”.
1. “No, I don’t need God. I am good on my own. I think I can be like God”.
Or
2. “Because of my sin, I don't deserve to spend eternity with You, God. Thank You Jesus for paying the penalty for that sin. Thank You God for Your Mercy!!!”
2. “Because of my sin, I don't deserve to spend eternity with You, God. Thank You Jesus for paying the penalty for that sin. Thank You God for Your Mercy!!!”
It is upon the understanding and acceptance of this incredible Gift, this amazing Grace, that lives change.
