“Scripture…sets before us Christ alone as mediator, atoning sacrifice, high priest, and intercessor.”—Augsburg Confession Art. XXI. Augsburg Confession, Article 21, “Of the Worship of the Saints”. trans. Kolb, R., Wengert, T., and Arand, C. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2000. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Why did Jesus Christ die on the cross? He died on the cross for all our sins that we may have the opportunity of eternal life by God‘s Amazing Grace. Hallelujah! Jesus Christ is the perfect sacrifice for our sins, He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and for all.
1 John 2:2 says; He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world. The first time I ever read this Scripture I was in awe, I couldn’t even fathom the idea of how one sacrifice could blot out the sins of trillions. Isn’t that mind-blowing? I mean think of the power behind the blood of the Lamb which washes away all sin for humanity.
Like a loving parent, God will overlook weaknesses and forgive sin. Don’t get me wrong, God wants us to do good all the time of course. Also, He knows that our flesh is weak and sometimes we stumble, sometimes we fall, and sometimes we hit rock bottom. Even when this happens as we walk with Him He is faithful, He is right beside us waiting to lift us up with a breath of fresh air.
1 John 2: 1-2 says; I write this to you so that you will not sin.” But John continued by reminding us that God has already made provision for our failure so His love continues constant despite what we do: “But if anybody does sin, we have One who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ the righteous One.”
One of the main reasons we doubt is because we have an adversary that whispers into our lives on a daily basis, he uses every little offense to accuse us of being good for nothings, for serving a false God, and for not following suit. However, we have an advocate, Jesus Christ who is more powerful than our adversary. He has cancelled the debt of our sins past, present, and future. No matter what you do or how you fail, God has no reason not to love you and accept you completely.
This is truly difficult my friends and I am sure you know this. However, it is my responsibility to remind God’s children that we must not hold anything against anyone. One day we all will be held accountable for our actions, as God forgives us, we must forgive others without prejudice or excuse. There is no gray area in God’s word, it is what it is and it is the truth. Have a wonderful day!
Youth leader,