Meet Me At The Cross

Murder. Selfishness. Adultery. Lying. Pride. Stealing. Gossip. Fornication. Idolatry. Blasphemy. Coveting. Strife. Envy. Greed. Unforgiveness. Drunkenness. Rebellion. Selfish Ambition. Perversion. Sexual Impurity. Disobedience. Witchcraft. Profanity. Jealousy. The list goes on. If you have ever committed any of the above, then you are a sinner, just like me. Sin isn’t measured by size. There is no distinction between a tiny white lie and a big one. It’s all sin. The consequences may differ, but it all separates us from God. We stand guilty.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23

But, because of God’s tremendous love for us, He sent His Son to stand in our place to pay the penalty for all our wrongdoings. An innocent man, God incarnate, hung on the cross – beaten, tortured, and mocked – for you and me. His death was beyond excruciating. It was a physical and emotional hell that He endured for us, so that we would never have to. Eternal condemnation is what we deserved, but eternal life is what He graciously gave.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

The best part of this extraordinary offering is that it is free to us. We can’t earn it, we can’t buy it, and we certainly don’t deserve it. But, it’s ours. And, yet, so many don’t receive it.

Disbelief is one reason, but unworthiness is another. People continue to deny the power of this ultimate sacrifice. “I’ve gone too far,” “My sin is too big,” “You don’t know what I’ve done,” or “I keep messing up” are just a few of the lies that the devil tries to use to lessen the power of the cross. But, what Jesus did that day is powerful enough to cover any sin. Right before He took His last breath, Jesus declared:

“It is finished.” – John 19:30

And it is finished. The power of sin and death was defeated. Don’t allow the enemy to rob you of this beautiful love offering. You may not be worthy. Actually, I know you aren’t. None of us are, but Jesus is.

So this Easter, I invite you to meet me at the cross, where we are all washed clean.

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for dying on the cross for me. I accept this beautiful gesture of love. I believe you died and rose again so that the penalty of sin would be paid in full for me – for all of us. Please forgive me for all my sins, known and unknown. I pray for power to defeat this sin in my life. I know it has all been paid for at the cross. I lay down all my efforts and control, and I make you Lord of my life. Amen.

Happy Easter!

He is Risen!

Every Easter, it is the same routine. First thing in the morning, I call my parents to wish them a happy Easter and my father answers the phone, “He is risen.” I quickly reply, “He is risen indeed!” This little exchange may sound like an endearing moment between a father and daughter, but it is more than that. It is an acknowledgement and declaration of the most powerful moment in history – the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Savior. Savior, that’s right, Savior. This isn’t a word that you hear too often outside of the church walls. Why do we need a Savior? You may think “my life is not perfect, but I don’t need any saving.” Well, according to Romans 3:23, we:

“all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.”

Sin separates us from God. Accepting Jesus as the Son of God and acknowledging Him wipes those sins away and restores our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Jesus was and is the ultimate sacrifice. Some of you may be thinking that what you’ve done is too severe to be forgiven. That is not true. He endured a horrific death on the cross so that all mankind would be set free. All we need to do is receive this gift by faith.

“For the wages of the sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.”-Roman 6:23

Everyone has a choice and opportunity to invite Jesus into her life. But, it is not just words recited out of obligation; it is a change in our hearts to receive the gift of Jesus Christ. If this free gift is something you would like to receive today, then pray something like this:

Jesus, I thank you for what you did for me that day nearly 2,000 years ago. I believe you are the Son of God, that you died on the cross, and that You rose again. I invite you into my life and submit to you. Forgive me of all my sins, known and unknown, and help me live a life that glorifies You. In Jesus' precious name, amen.

If you just said this prayer and you meant it with all your heart, you are now saved and are a child of God. If this is the first time you've said a prayer like this, you may ask, "Now what”? Get into a Bible-based church, study God's Word, and turn away from sin.

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”-Romans 10:13