God is love. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in His should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17) God sent his own Son, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, born of a virgin and lived a sinless life on earth and died in our place on the cross. Before the Messiah died on the cross, He spoke seven Scripture verses that are in the Bible. These are His words from the cross.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
These were the first words Jesus Christ spoke from the cross. His prayer is for those who have crucified the Son of God as they divided His garments and cast lots. (Luke 23:35)
“Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Like 23-43)
Jesus Christ came to the earth to seek and save all those who believe and repent of their sin. Jesus offered salvation to a repentant thief hanging on a cross beside Him who said “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)
“Woman behold your son! Then He said to the Disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’” (John 19:26,27)
Jesus Christ loved His mother and those who loved Him. So, He made provision for her with one of His disciples John.
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)
Jesus Christ spoke these words about the ninth hour from the cross and there was darkness over all the land. Some who were near Him at the cross thought He was calling for Elijah. Separation from God is being in hell. Meanwhile, Jesus Christ was willing to suffer on the cross for those who would believe in Him as the Messiah and repent.
“I Thirst.” (John 19:28)
Jesus Christ, though the Son of God, who had never sinned, took on human flesh in order to pay the penalty for the human race. It is a mystery that the Son of God, would become God in the flesh and take on human form and suffer on our behalf and that our sin and guilt was place on Him for our redemption. (John 1:1, 14) Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
“Jesus said except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Except a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3,5, 16-17) To be ready for the rapture you must be born again and brought into the Lord’s household. If you are born again by the Holy Spirit of God, you can take comfort in knowing the Lord will return for you at the time of the rapture. (Titus 2:12,13)
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
Jesus Christ knowing on the cross that all things were accomplished that the Scripture might be filled, said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His Spirit. Salvation for humanity
was now complete. Because of Jesus Christ, who believe in His death, burial and resurrection we are reconciled to God the Father and are members of the family of God now and forever. Praise the LORD!
“Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:23) Jesus Christ paid the price on calvary cross for all who believe and have faith in Him. On the third day, God raised Him from the grave and after appearing to His disciples and to many of his believers. Jesus Christ said, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” “Thus, it is written, and thus it was necessary for Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses to these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:44, 46-49)
The Bible also says that “Whoever believes in Him (Jesus Christ) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:18) So, if we reject God this will lead to eternal suffering in the lake of fire. Jesus Christ said: “whoever come to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37) Remember, your decision will have eternal consequences. Don’t wait until tomorrow because it may be too late.
God created all things. God cares for humanity. We all live in a fallen world. God created human beings and had a purpose in the beginning for everyone. We should seek God’s will, guidance, and direction daily. The troubles we face in this world are not alike; however, God know and understand you. All the problems in life are due to sin, and Jesus Christ died on the cross to take away sin. He died so we can have eternal life and peace with God. If we confess our sin, He is faithful to forgive us through faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is waiting for you. Remember, now is the day of salvation. Jesus said: “Behold I stand at the door, and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me in My Throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His Throne.” (Revelation 3:20-21)
And even though we have rejected Him, with words or actions. He gives us a new opportunity to repent and believe through faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life. “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin … this way death can to all people, because all sinned … for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 5:12; 6:23).
Scripture verses taken from the New King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending Your only begotten Son Jesus Christ, the Messiah, to pay the penalty our sin demanded. While Jesus was on the cross He spoke seven times from the cross to let us know that the pain He suffered from the cross was not about the injustice and plan He suffered on the cross. Thank You Lord Jesus Christ for Your willingness to endure this painful suffering on the cross for all of humanity who would believe and repent while it is still time. For now, is the day of salvation. We who believe are now reconciled to God and are members of God’s family in paradise/heaven now and for eternity. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
By
Constance A. Burns, NAAV Volunteer for Moments of Meditation and Scripture Readings; cburns@naavets.org.