The F Word (Part 5)

The Ultimate Forgiveness

The man who stole my debit card is guilty. There has to be a punishment for his crime. He should be in jail. But what if I stepped in? What if I took his place in a jail cell? What if I was the one separated from my friends and family as he walked around a free man? Do you think it would change him? Or would he continue on in his ways?

Jesus did this for us when he went to the cross. We are guilty of our sin. We broke (and continue to break) God's laws. Because He is a holy God, there has to be a sacrifice. But Jesus stepped in and took the punishment instead. He was beaten and whipped while we walk around free. He died so that we could live forever with Him. Having knowledge of this, do you allow it to change you? Or do you continue on in your ways?

God's mercies are new every morning. He gives us chance after chance. "But don't be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." ~Galatians 6:7-8

God is the ultimate judge. He knows the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Unfortunately, there are many who have deceived themselves. If your life looks like the rest of the world, you should be nervous. God didn't call us to conform, but to transform the world. His kindness should us to repentance and to action. My prayer for you is that during this Easter season, you look at all God has done for you. And your only response is to fully surrender your life to Him.