As many of you know, my wife and I have raised five children in our home. The first of our family crew arrived almost twenty-nine years ago. When we went to the hospital for our firstborn, the nurse told Charis, “according to our devices, you are in false labor, and we will probably send you home in a little while.” The nurse left the room, my wife looked at me and said, “If this is false labor, I have changed my mind!” After a small amount of time passed, Charis’ water broke, proving she truly was in labor. (We later discovered “the devices” referenced earlier were not situated correctly.) Charis was in labor for only 8 hours with our first baby. Over the next nine years, we would have 4 more children and each labor would get shorter. So, our last child was induced about 2 weeks before the due date because the doctor was concerned that we wouldn’t make it to the hospital in time. After the birth of each child, we would have our first opportunity to hold them. There is something emotional about holding your newborn, new life, in your hands. The pain and struggle of childbirth was just experienced, and now you hold this amazing life close to your body and just stare in wonder at them. This child is an incredible gift for which you will treasure and sacrifice the rest of your life.
There is a gift far greater than human life and it cost far more than the pain of childbearing. This gift is priceless and costs more than anyone could ever repay. It is the gift of eternal life in heaven, and it is made possible through Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Many refer to this gift with terms like “salvation,” “saved,” “born again,” and “becoming a Christian.” There is no way around it. A home in heaven is only possible through accepting this gift personally (Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12). We must accept God’s gift of salvation and follow Him.
Last Sunday we studied Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with multitudes of His disciples crying out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Jesus was highly favored and honored that day; however, it is amazing how much can change in a week. Here are a few highlights of the events in the week that followed:
Jesus cleansed the temple
A woman anoints Jesus
The Last Supper with Jesus’ disciples, final instructions are given, and Jesus predicts His betrayal
Jesus tells Peter he will deny Christ 3 times before the cock crows
Jesus prays in the garden
Judas comes to betray Him
Peter cuts off the ear of the High Priest’s servant with a sword
All the disciples ran away. Jesus is arrested.
Jesus is put on trial (even though He is accused of no criminal acts) and sentenced to death.
The scourging of Jesus in preparation for His crucifixion takes place. He is nailed to a cross stripped, bloody, and beaten.
Jesus made 7 statements on the cross and gave His life. One of the statements Jesus uttered on the cross was, “It is Finished.” In the original language, the phrase was used as an accounting term, as a justice system term, and as a military term. With these three words, Jesus declared sin’s debt is paid in full (the books show a zero balance) … the sentence of judgment handed down is paid in full … and the war on sin is won. “It is Finished!!”
3 days later the tomb is empty, and Jesus has risen from the dead. He is alive!
The women found the tomb first. The angels greeted them and made the declaration, “He is not here: for He is risen as He said. Come and see the place – (Matt. 28:6).” Then Luke 24:11 reveals the disciples did not believe the ladies when they told them. The disciples were in mourning. They watched as Jesus died on the cross. They know He was buried in a tomb. This news seemed impossible…perhaps it was too good to be true! So, we read in Luke 24 and in John 20 that Peter and John ran to the tomb to see for themselves – and John 20:8 reveals that John believed once he saw for himself.
Years ago, I heard a story about a man named Blondini. Blondini was doing a tightrope act across Niagara Falls. Quite a crowd gathered, cheering him on. He asked the crowd, who believes I can walk across this tightrope blindfolded? The crowd responded, “I believe!” Blondini went further, “who believes I can push a wheel barrel across this tightrope while blindfolded?” The crowd became enthusiastic, “I believe,” was their loud response. Blondini had one final question, “who believes I can put a man in this wheel barrel and push him across while blindfolded?” Now the crowd had become overcome with excitement hoping to watch something amazing they cried out, “I believe! I believe!” Blondini then looked into the crowd and pointed to the one who seemed to cheer the loudest, “You sir. Get in the wheel barrel!” The man promptly ran away!
Belief is understanding, agreeing, AND depending (James 2:19). Many will say they believe the Bible, they believe in heaven and hell, or that they believe in God. However, many are still feverishly attempting to work their way to heaven – even though the Bible (that they say they believe) states clearly that we are “saved by grace through faith…not by works (Eph. 2:8-9).” What keeps you from believing Jesus and the Bible? If you have accepted God’s gift of salvation from eternal condemnation – then what keeps you from living what you have believed? We must believe Jesus and live what we believe! Let’s look at how “4 Truths We Believe About God” that will impact our eternal destiny.
Please stop. Consider taking a moment to ready I Corinthians 15:1-11, as well as Matthew 26, Luke 24, and John 20. These passages provide the accounts of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead and will serve as our text/context for our broader discussion today.
1. God is Holy
God is without sin. He is holy (Is. 6:3; 57:15; I Pet. 1:15) . The Bible tells us there is none like Him (Is. 46:9)! The Bible also tells us we are sinners (Eccl. 7:20; Is. 53:6 ; 64:6 Rom. 3:23). Sin is the breaking of the law (I Jn. 3:4). If you have lied, been envious, dishonored your parents, or taken God’s name in vain – you have sinned.
2. God is Just
God is the perfect judge (Rom. 2:2). He is without prejudice and is always just. The description of “unfair” is never attributed to God. When there is a breaking of the law, he will be just in the punishment. Knowing this, we are humbled in understanding we are sinners and that the perfect Judge must judge sin. We deserve to be judged and the judgment for our sin is eternal (Jn. 3:36; 5:24; Rom. 6:23)!
If a man murders someone, gets out on bail, and goes free, we would say, “That’s not fair! He deserves stronger punishment!”
The point is we all deserve some punishment because we have all sinned (Rom. 2:1; 3:10, 23)! God is and will continue to be completely just! God will bring perfect justice for all (John 3:18, 36).
3. God is Love
Our greatest need is for God to forgive our sin and not suffer the outcomes of God’s judgment! However, God the perfect Judge must fairly judge our sin! The word “justified” is a legal term. It means to be declared righteous. Every man, woman, and child needs to be justified or they will suffer eternal judgment. Is this possible? It is! God is the perfect judge, but He is also perfect in His love! God shows His love blended with His justice (Rom. 5:8).
4. God is Our Savior
Romans 10:9-10, 13; I Timothy 2:4. Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection is the only way forgiveness of sin and a home in heaven can be offered. God is holy and He must bring forward perfect justice on all sin. Only one not deserving of judgment could possibly receive the judgment another has earned and satisfy justice. Jesus is the only one not deserving of judgment! God demonstrated his amazing love in satisfying His own justice by sending His son, Jesus, to be judged in our place. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross made possible the “just” forgiveness of sin and our sin debt to be paid in full!
The true story is told of a married couple that ended up in a mountain of debt. College loans, unexpected medical bills, and some poor choices resulted in more than $200,000 of debt (in addition to their mortgage). They were trapped. Paying off these bills seemed impossible; however, they found a financial counselor, developed a strategy, and eventually paid off the debt.
You and I have a sin debt that could never be repaid! There is no plan or strategy that mankind could devise that would take care of our sin debt. We need someone to save us from our demise. Jesus came to pay our sin debt, a debt no other could pay. Our debt is paid if we but only accept His offer!
Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow!
What will you do with these 4 truths about God?
o Will you believe on the Lord Jesus and accept His gift to save you from your sin? For a more in depth look at this gift from God, check out this video series linked on this page: Heaven or Hell?
o If you have accepted this precious gift already, will you live these truths in your own life and allow God to impact others through you? For more Bible study opportunities to deepen your relationship with Jesus, click here: Contact us today! … or private message us on Facebook.