In Romans 3:9–23, Paul describes how we are all sinners. Because of our sins we deserve God’s wrath (Romans 1:18). But God showed us how much He loved us by giving His Son to be the “sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood” (Romans 3:25). We are all “justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (v. 24). Even though we still sin, by falling in to sin and not by living in sin as a lifestyle, we are justified, reconciled, and sanctified. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, we can live holy lives.
For centuries the Jewish people had sought to come into God’s presence through animal sacrifices and by seeking to keep the law as seen in the Old Testament. But the law was “only a shadow of the good things that are coming,” for “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10: 1 – 4). Christ’s sacrifice was what God desired and what our sin required. The crown of thorns that Jesus was made to wear was part of a cruel game the Roman soldiers played before Jesus was crucified. They also dressed Him in a royal robe and gave Him a staff as a king’s scepter, which they then used to beat Him. They mocked Him, calling Him “king of the Jews” (Matthew 27:29), not realizing that their actions would be remembered thousands of years later. This was no ordinary king. He was the King of Kings whose death, followed by His resurrection, gives us eternal life. Because of His sacrifice, we can be made holy when we trust in Him for the forgiveness of our sins. Even though we aren’t able to keep the law perfectly, we can draw near to God without fear, fully confident that we are welcomed and loved (Hebrews 10: 10, 22).
The horrific scene described above shows how this fallen world and the powers of darkness held nothing but contempt for Jesus, the Son of God and Saviour of the world. Yet Christ chose to suffer to redeem us: “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Christ’s way of sorrow opened for us a new and living way to God. In our Christian journey, it is Christ all the way and no other person. It is either you trust Him to uphold you, and you never allow the material things of this life, and the love for this evil world hinder your relationship with you and Him. Beloved, don’t go back living the way you use to because what you are now doing is trampling the grace of God and making the death of our Lord Jesus a mockery. Live right, trust God, and saturate your life with the Rhema of God’s word which will enable you to see things the way God does and then live victoriously. What a joy to know that God erased our sins and has given us freedom and life forever in Him!
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for walking the way of sorrow and making a way for us to be reconciled to God in Jesus name…Amen!!!
Excerpts from Our Daily Bread March 30th, 31st and 1st 2018