John recorded, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be save" (John 3:16, 17).
This was, but it was the only sacrifice that could take away sin. Under the Law of Moses, animal sacrifices were made for the sins of the people. However, the blood of bulls and goats could not take away the sins of man (Heb. 10:4).
For mankind to be able to have forgiveness the blood of Christ was needed. God loved each person enough to allow this to happen to Jesus. Christ was willing to make this sacrifice, leaving heaven to make salvation possible.
"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil.2:6-8).
Christ suffered humiliation and pain that is hard to imagine. Christ was subjected to illegal trials, mocking, beatings, having people spit upon him and finally being crucified on the cross. He was tried by both the Jewish courts and the Roman courts.
Pilate, who could have set Christ free, chose to please the crowds rather than release one who was innocent of all the charges made against him (Matt. 26, 27).
What a paradox this picture is, one of cruelty and wickedness, yet one of love and mercy. In this picture, mankind sees the great love God has.
Realizing what a sacrifice was made for mankind should cause one to want to take advantage of the salvation offered by God.
The spiritual promise of all families being blessed through Abraham came in the form of Jesus Christ being born in this world, living among men, dying on the cross and being raised up on the third day (Gal. 3:6-29).
By obedience to the gospel of Christ all men can be saved, that is a promise from God and God cannot lie. Paul wrote, "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior; (Titus 1:2, 3).
If one will have faith in God, repent of sins, confess the name of Jesus as God’s Son before men, submit to baptism (immersion) in water for the remission of sins and then live according to God’s word, one can have salvation.
Knowing God keeps his promises, a person must follow his word and obey it. For as sure as his promise of eternal life is true, so is his promise of eternal damnation to those who fail to follow him.
"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation (Jno. 5:28, 29).
God has provided all man needs, but he does not make one obey him. That is up to each person. Why not look into God’s word and find out what you need to do to be pleasing to God?
Remember, God loves you.