The cross of Jesus Christ was a remarkable event in history. Sometimes, when I think about the cross, I take it for granted because it is part of the story of Jesus that I know so well. But every once in awhile, when I stop and think about the significance of the cross, and the magnitude of what God did for me on the cross, I am stunned.
From the very beginning of history, God had a problem, and that problem was the human race. He loved us and created us to walk in fellowship with Him as a part of His family. But Adam and Eve threw all that away. They disobeyed God and turned away from Him, and ever since, we humans have been rebellious, selfish, and hostile toward God.
He could not simply overlook our rebellion and sin. He is God because He is prefect, and must act in accordance with His nature. He could only act in a way that was perfectly just and fair, and the just choice would be to punish us for our sins. But if He punished and banished us, we would never be able to return and enjoy fellowship with Him and be a part of His family.
So, what did God do? How could He punish the sin of humans without banishing us from a relationship with Him forever?
God came up with a perfect solution. He would still have to punish man for his sin, but instead of punishing us, He took the punishment upon Himself. God paid for our sin Himself, through the death of His Son on a cross. He administered the penalty we deserved and then endured it Himself.
Because He took the penalty we deserve, we can be confident that God will not go back on His agreement to welcome us back into His family. He made the ultimate sacrifice by offering His Son to die on a cross, which cannot be undone, so He will not change His mind. That is why when we profess faith in Him and repent of our sins, we are His forever. God's sacrifice of His Son so that we may return to Him and be a part of His family is an amazing gift that I need to meditate on and praise God for more each day.
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