Easter '18
Jesus Christ took my sin and your sin to the cross. The Bible tells us, in Colossians 3, that Jesus took the handwriting that was against us, and nailed it to His cross—nailed it to His cross. And then, He bowed His head, and He died, and He said, Paid in full. It is finished. That’s exactly the same word—tetalestai, I have paid that sin debt; it’s paid in full. He took your certificate of debt and said, It’s paid in full. No foe can condemn us, no fear need control us, no fault can separate us, and “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not even worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us.”
Conclusion
There’s the guilt, there’s the grace, there’s the grief, and thank God for the glory. That’s what Easter’s all about. God doesn’t destroy evil. If He did, you wouldn’t have a choice. God defeats evil with a cross and a resurrection, isn’t that good? I don’t mean the preaching, I mean, that’s good stuff. Friend, that’s what Easter is all about, and that’s why you need to be saved.
Heads are bowed and eyes are closed. Would you begin to pray for those round about you who may not know the Lord Jesus? And if you’re certain that you’re saved, just pray, Lord, bless that brother, that sister, that friend, that neighbor—whatever they need today, if they’re not saved, Lord, that they might be saved. And if you’d like to be saved, I don’t know of a better day than this day; what a wonderful day to be saved. Why don’t you pray a prayer like this? Dear God, I know that you love me—and friend, He does love you. And I know, Lord, that you want to save me—and friend, He does. I’m a sinner. I acknowledge my sin—and friend, you won’t be saved unless you acknowledge your sin. For this is the faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation: that Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I acknowledge my sin; my sin deserves judgment, but I need mercy. Lord Jesus, I turn from sin to you. Right now, by faith, I receive you into my heart. Right now, right now, I receive you. I’m not asking for a special feeling. I just put my faith in you, Lord Jesus. I trust you right now, Lord Jesus. I turn from sin to you. I receive you now into my life as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. I receive it as the gift of your love. Thank you for saving me. And now, Lord Jesus, I will follow you all the days of my life. And help me never to be ashamed of you. In your holy name I pray. Amen.