The Story of God预览

Jesus suffered and died, giving his life as a ransom for many. On the cross, Jesus bore our sins in his body. The one who had no sin became sin, so that sinners could become saints. The immortal died so that the captives of death could be set free.

Jesus didn't just suffer physically; he suffered spiritually: the weight of sin made him feel forsaken. But Jesus knew that his suffering was for a purpose: to save us. When he said he felt forsaken, he quoted Psalm 22, which ends in the vindication of the one who suffers, and also all his brothers - whoever has become children of God through faith in Jesus.

When Jesus died, he said 'It is finished', because his death completely dealt with the sin of whoever believes in him. No other punishment or penance or sacrifice needs to be done to purchase our forgiveness: Jesus' blood is enough. The just punishment for our sins would destroy us, so Jesus allows us to face it in him, so that he can bear the weight of it, and we can die with him and be raised with him, instead of dying in sin and remaining in judgement forever.

Questions

How does Jesus' death for you give you assurance that you do not need to earn forgiveness?

How does Jesus' death remind you that God's mercy is not something cheap to be taken for granted?