Maybe you wonder why it was necessary that Jesus come and die for the sins of the world. Why would the world need such a strange thing as a man tortured, beaten and hung on a cross to die?
As a starting point, consider the law of God as He gave it to Moses in Exodus 20 (the Ten Commandments).
1. Have no Gods before Me (not even in your heart)
2. Make for yourself no idols
3. Do not take the name of the LORD in vain
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy
5. Honor your father and mother
6. Do not murder (not even in your heart)
7. Do not commit adultery (not even in your heart)
8. Do not steal
9. Do not bear false witness (lie)
10. Do not covet
How do you measure up? If 10 is too many, consider what Jesus later told his disciples, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Whether you take the 10 or the 2, the bottom line is that God has a standard of holiness. That standard is given in His law. Keep it, and maintain fellowship with God; violate it in any point, and be forever separated from God by your sin.
This standard of holiness is not just for the Jew. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. There’s none righteous. Not one. Romans 3:11-18.
It doesn’t end there. “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this, the judgment.” Hebrews 9:24. The payment or wages that a man receives for his sin is death. Romans 6:23
But God, in His mercy, has provided a sacrifice, an offering that would satisfy the requirement of the law. That sacrifice was His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
“God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
1 John 2:2 He Himself is the propitiation (atoning sacrifice) for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
“I am justified (made just as if I’d never sinned) through His (God’s) grace. Romans 3:24
“Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
I had a great need. I have a great God. He gave me a great gift in the life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Rooted and Grounded 