Sunday, April 4, 2010

The Risen Lord

1 Corinthians 15:3-4
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

Jesus Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and then He rose again (which we celebrate today, Easter). All of this is supported by Scripture (the Bible).

Everything we ever did wrong, Jesus died for. He didn't die because Pontius Pilate (the judge that Jesus was brought to that gave the death order, although unwillingly) sent Him to die. He could've gotten away from those guards any time He wanted. If He decided He wanted out, He could have gotten out, and killed anyone in His way. But He's Jesus. He wanted to go to that cross, because He loves us.

He was buried. He was in this tomb for three days, and then when Mary and the other women came to mourn for Him, the stone had been rolled away! Jesus wasn't in His tomb! But they knew that the disciplines had put his body there. Where was Jesus?

He was alive. He was dead, but then He rose after the third day.

Here's the coolest part: When He died, He took our sin with Him. When He rose again, He didn't. Our sins were paid for. All of our sins. Praise God!

Jesus already paid for your sins. But for God to consider you forgiven, you have to ask Jesus to be your Savior, with this prayer:

"Lord, I know that I am a sinner, worthy of being cast forever from Your presence. But I also know that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, was buried, and then rose again. I pray that in His name, You will forgive my sins, and come into my life. Thank You for this gift, God. In Jesus' name, Amen."

If you meant that prayer with all your heart, and you believe that Jesus loves you enough to die for you, God's answer is "yes".

Happy Easter, and Praise to the Risen Lord!
In His Service,
Joyce

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