Life

The work of Jesus on the cross was applied to this condemned man. All his sin was laid on Jesus, and he passed from death to life. Such is the power of grace. Such is the fullness of forgiveness.

Too many people use the guilt and shame of sin as a barrier between themselves and God. Many believe they must clean up their acts before God will accept them. The problem with that thinking is this: no one can clean up their life on their own. Only Jesus can do that. Lay your sin—the sin He died for—before Him and let His forgiveness wash over your heart.

Jesus did not come to perform. He did not come to show us another sign. His mission was clear. He came to die so we could live. He purchased life for us by His death on the cross. Signs will draw a crowd; the cross drew scorn. Signs will fade away; the cross purchased life eternal. Jesus let His actions speak for Him. He came to give His life as a ransom for many.

But, remember, every movement leading to the cross was fulfilling Scripture. Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for us. Nothing took place outside of God’s sovereign plan.

Have you walked away from God? Have you betrayed the Lord? Have you turned your back on Jesus? Stop running. Don’t place your life in your own hands. Come to Jesus…and find the life you’ve always longed for.

Love doesn’t stop with this supreme act of Jesus. Those He died for are to love each other as He has loved us. We are to lay down our lives for another person if need be. Jesus’ great sacrifice calls for us to demonstrate great love. Love is costly. Long before a sacrificial death, love must be shown with a sacrificial life.

Jesus is the believer’s source of life. Say His name. Sing His praise. Tell Him how much you love Him. Tell Him how thankful you are for His work on the cross. Tell Him your struggles and ask for His strength. Tell Him your fears and ask for His peace. You are connected to the Source. Live each day in His eternal power.

Love is an action word. It is not hidden or hinted at. When you love someone you don’t want that person to be unsure of your emotions. When you love someone you say it and show it. Love is expressed in tangible ways.

Death is an enemy. It separates us from the body and takes us away from those we love on earth. It seems final. But Jesus will never leave us alone. As we pass from death He will usher us into life. Jesus will not leave you as an orphan. He is with you during this life, through the passage of death, and throughout eternity. Jesus never leaves us alone.