In the Christian community, this week is the pinnacle of all that is believed about God's plan in redeeming people from sin. There are far too many theological concerns in the redemption story to deal with them all here. I am going to keep it really simple.
Sin had come into the world and permeated every single person. This is referred to as the sin nature. God sent his son, Jesus, on a rescue mission. The week of Easter tells how this redemption unfolded in human history. Jesus was perfect. He had never sinned but He took on our sins so we might be redeemed from them. Only a perfect sacrifice could redeem sins of another. God and man had a broken relationship because of this sin. God cannot look on sin but his love is so great he desired to restore this relationship. He did this through laying on his son these sins. Jesus died for sin though he had none of his own. He is not a dead savior, though. The power of God raised him from the dead. He is alive. That's the story of Easter Sunday!
Our sins can be forgiven by trusting on Jesus work on the cross. He paid the penalty for sin. Each person must individually trust in Jesus' payment for sin on the Cross. Only God forgives sin. There is nothing I do to earn it. Jesus took my place. He did for me! That is good news.
Here are a few verses to reflect on in the coming days about what Christ accomplished for the redemption to all who believe. Forgiveness is hard to understand and even more difficult to do. It may help by looking at the one who provides the means of experiencing forgiveness before trying to do it especially in our own strength.
Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins. Ecclesiastes 7:20
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. Ephesians 1:7
Even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;…. Romans 3:22:24
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,…. Titus 3:4,5
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. Titus 2:11
If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
Next week's post will look at how we take what we've experienced, forgiveness from God, and extend to others.
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