The love of God is seen in the giving of Jesus to die for the sins of man. 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 saved” (John 3:16, 17).
This was a great sacrifice, but it was the only one that could take away sin. Under the Law of Moses, animal sacrifices were made for the sins of the people. However, as stated in Hebrews 10:4, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” In order for mankind to be able to have this forgiveness, the blood of Christ had to be shed.
Imagine — 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” (Philippians 2:6 – 8).
Christ’s sacrifice caused him to suffer humiliation and pain that is hard to imagine. Christ was subjected to illegal trials, mocking, beatings, being spit upon and, finally, crucifixion on the cross. He was tried by both Jewish and 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 (Matthew 26-27). All these things Christ endured because of love. 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 the sacrifice that was made for mankind should cause us to want to take advantage of the salvation offered to us 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 (Galatians 3:6-29).
By having obedience to the gospel of Christ, all men can be saved. That is a promise from God. 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 we will have faith in God, repent of our sins, confess the name of Jesus as God’s son before men, submit to baptism in water for the remission of our sins and then live according to God’s word, we can have salvation.
God has provided all man needs, but he does not make us 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.
God's love proven with Son's blood
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