He stepped into time and split it in two.
Since His birth, the years have increased, marked by the letters AD ( from Latin, "in the year or our Lord"). The years increased up to his birth, marked by the letters BC (Before Christ). Yet His most significant impact, His death, split the vale in two that separated man from God (Matthew 27:51).
In the temple hung a vale that kept man out of the Holies of Holies. The resting place of the Ark, the representation of God on the earth. Because of Jesus, we now have access into the presence of God.
Why is Jesus’ death so significant?
God is holy, which means separate. He is like no other; He is more powerful, more intelligent, and more righteous than man. David the psalmist wrote, “who is man that you are mindful of him.” (Psalm 8:4) Wisdom will always recognize man’s smallness next to God. “Only the fool says there is no God” (Psalm 14:1).
His holiness requires perfection; His love designed a plan to fulfill it. According to Phillipians 2, Jesus being God, did not think equality with God was something to grasp on to, but instead He humbled himself and took on the form of man. Then He allowed man to kill Him for sin he never committed, so that his death would pay the price for all sin, yours and mine included.
Imagine that we are the defendant on trail in the court of heaven, guilty of high treason against the supreme ruler, God. God is seated as Judge and lowers his gavel pronouncing death, eternal separation from Him as punishment. Then He disrobes, descends the bench and approaches the defendants chair to receive sentence. The bailiff beats him. The courts mock him. The executioner does the deed. Three days later, He is raised from the dead. His resurrection announces that sin is paid for, once and for all (Romans 6:10).
What does Jesus' death and resurrection mean for me personally?
Everyone falls short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Anyone who refuses to accept that demonstrates the smallness of their God, one they perceive but do not know. Let us imagine that humankind exists on one side of an endless chasm reaching to eternity, God on the other side. If we were to file in line with Mother Teresa at the front, the most holy human and Ted Bundy at the back, the worst. The rest of humanity would take their place between the two.
However, the difference would be pointless and the distance remains the same. We are all on the wrong side of the chasm. Where you stand in the line may make a difference in this life, but to eternity we are all the same, we come up short! The good news is God provided a bridge to theother side, Jesus. From Mother Teresa to Ted Bundy, we all have the same choice. Jesus or death, eternal separation from God.
How do I Choose Jesus?
First, let me say, “God so loved the world that he sent His only Son, so that none would perish but all would have eternal life” (John 3:16). God sends no one to hell. He has gone out of His way to assure that we do not have to. The only way to go to hell is to be arrogant enough to think you cannot!!God will not force Himself on anyone. Religion often tries to force our hand, causing resistance.
God is looking for voluntary lovers, not slaves. He longs for us to surrender to his love and freely embrace His care and leadership in our lives (Romans 8:15). He is not a control freak in the sky demanding His way. This is oftentimes the way religion depicts Him. How do you fall in love with a God like that?The truth is, God created us for intimate relationship (Genesis 2). His passion is to reveal His true nature through the demonstration of His unconditional love. He did that through the cross (Isaiah 53:4-6). He does that through His leadership in our lives (Matthew 11:28). Jesus says, “Come unto me all you who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
To come to Jesus, all you have to do is...
Admit you are a sinner in need of His forgiveness (Romans 10:9). Acknowledge that you accept His death and resurrection as the only way to get to heaven (John 14:6). Ask Him to come into your life and step into the lead (Romans 8:14). Surrender to his love and allow His presence to cleanse you and heal you (I John 1:9).
What now, since you have received Jesus into your life?
It takes several things working in our lives on a regular basis to continue walking with Jesus. The world around us is a constant remind of our humanity, but it takes divine love to live truly satisfied. Each day we are faced with a choice. We can follow our humanness; it feels more natural, but leaves us wanting. We can go against the natural, to become supernatural, knowing God and living fulfilled. Three things will help us make the right choices:
- Read your Bible daily...
even if just for a few minutes. Start with the Gospel of John.
- Pray daily...
quieting your Spirit and focusing your mind on God. Do not just talk to God, but wait to hear His response. You may think of a scripture verse to read or be reminded of something a friend said. These are two ways God can speak to us.
- Fellowship with other believers...
Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to a good, Christ-centered, Spirit lead Church - not all are. We at Real Living Ministries would love to assist you, any way we can, in your relationship with Jesus. Feel free to contact us.
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