There would be a lot to tell about Jesus - His astounding miracles, His exemplary life. But at the end all statements of the Biblical accounts culminate in Jesus’ death and his resurrection. What is so special about these events, that the Bible would place so much emphasis on them? The answer is: He died in our place, laden with our sins, and for our salvation.
Jesus died in our place.
Before God's holiness, sinners are guilty and hopelessly lost. God demands a just punishment for every sin. But instead of condemning us, we read in the Bible of a brilliant solution: ...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) This was a wonderful rescue mission which God´s son was willing to accept. He took our place and paid the price for us sinners. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God... (1. Peter 3:18) This demonstrates God's love for us.
Jesus died bearing our sin.
This demonstrates the holiness of God. At the death of Christ nothing was „posed“. The punishment for sin had to be paid completely. Jesus suffered the most agonizing pain. When he was hanging on the cross he cried out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) In this tormenting moment, God the Father, turned away from His beloved Son. He had to suffer the punishment of separation from God, the Father. When Jesus died in our place, He was made responsible for our sins as if He Himself had committed them all.
Jesus died for our salvation.
By raising Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day, God declared, that He accepts Christ’s sacrifice as full compensation for our sins. And he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit, and so God confirmed him as his Son. (Romans 1:4) This became the foundation of full forgiveness for everyone, who would otherwise be condemned to hell eternally.
But how does this concern you? How can you get right with God? How does Christ become your personal savior?
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