Nov 21 It is Finished

November 21st, 2009 by Dave Leave a reply »

I have finished the work which You have given Me to do —John 17:4

The death of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment in history of the very mind and intent of God. There is no place for seeing Jesus Christ as a martyr. His death was not something that happened to Him— something that might have been prevented. His death was the very reason He came.

Never build your case for forgiveness on the idea that God is our Father and He will forgive us because He loves us. That contradicts the revealed truth of God in Jesus Christ. It makes the Cross unnecessary, and the redemption “much ado about nothing.” God forgives sin only because of the death of Christ. God could forgive people in no other way than by the death of His Son, and Jesus is exalted as Savior because of His death. “We see Jesus . . . for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor . . .” ( Hebrews 2:9 ). The greatest note of triumph ever sounded in the ears of a startled universe was that sounded on the Cross of Christ— “It is finished!” ( John 19:30 ). That is the final word in the redemption of humankind.

Anything that lessens or completely obliterates the holiness of God, through a false view of His love, contradicts the truth of God as revealed by Jesus Christ. Never allow yourself to believe that Jesus Christ stands with us, and against God, out of pity and compassion, or that He became a curse for us out of sympathy for us. Jesus Christ became a curse for us by divine decree. Our part in realizing the tremendous meaning of His curse is the conviction of sin. Conviction is given to us as a gift of shame and repentance; it is the great mercy of God. Jesus Christ hates the sin in people, and Calvary is the measure of His hatred…..Perhaps it is the independence from God that we demonstrate when we “sin”. I wonder if the difinition of sin could be less the violation of a moral code or shameful act (although sin could be both); it is first and foremost being disconnected from God by choosing our own path or action instead of trusting God. Whenever we “disobey” God we are simply choosing to have our own way much like Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Having our own way in any area of our lives is disobedience in that area, and we can be certain that when we choose our own way, God will let us have our own way. We can take action and be our own “god” or let God take the action. Have our own way or let the God of the universe direct our paths? Let me see……..I can let the God of the universe, maker of heaven and earth, the God who died for me direct my life or I can make the choices for my life.  When it is laid out like that, it seems an easy decision.

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