Why Did Jesus Die?

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

The idea that Jesus accepted the punishment for our sins by dying on the cross has confused many people over the years.

Just think, Jesus, God’s Son, died to pay the penalty that we owed for our sins. There have been many theories that attempt to explain this, but scripture teaches us that the word “substitute” comes most closely. In other words, one man took our place and received the punishment that we deserve for our sins.

Let me try to give you an example of this.

One time a father caught his two sons doing something wrong. They were gently warned, but they continued to do wrong. The father’s heart was painful with the thought of punishing the boys he loved, so he called them into his room, removed his belt and shirt, and knelt by his bed. He told each child to whip him ten times. They cried so much at the thought of whipping their father, but the penalty had to be paid. Then afterwards, the father hugged and kissed them and they prayed together.

Just as this father took the punishment that his sons should have received, Jesus took the punishment for all of our sins. And now, He invites you to accept His forgiveness and devote the rest of your lives to Him. He wants us to know the greatness of His Father’s love.

That is why He died.   

 

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Giving Thanks!

Today I want to take time and give thanks to God for the many blessings that He has given me.  As you read along, please join me in giving thanks to God!

I am thankful for:

The many promises God gives me in His Word that empowers me to persevere.

I am thankful for the big struggles, because it shows me that my God is stronger.

I am thankful for my family.

I am thankful for the people God uses to remind me that He is the builder of His church, not me or my abilities.

I am thankful that God has given me good health so I could help others this week.

I am thankful for the opportunity I had to be part of the lives of those men and women who sacrificed for the freedoms we often take for granted.

I am thankful for a house that has hot water and electricity.

I’m thankful that even though I lost my legs six years ago, I can still walk, drive, and serve the Lord.

I am also thankful for the testimony God has given me, and the opportunities it has provided to tell others about a loving and merciful God.

I am thankful for the hope I have in the person of Jesus Christ.

I am thankful that God continues His work of sanctification in my life.  It never ceases to amaze me how sufficient His grace is.

I am thankful for His care, provision, and protection over me.

And I am thankful for my compassionate, intelligent, creative, and wonderful wife. This year we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary!

What are you thankful for? 

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)