“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 NKJV 

As we approach Easter I am reminded that the cross wasn’t pretty! Jesus was beaten, bruised, ridiculed, pierced and crucified for MY sin, and yours. He took OUR place. The perfect man of God became the perfect lamb of God.

Every time I watch the movie, “The Passion” I have to force myself not to turn away as they portray the suffering Christ endured for us.

As amazing as His amazing grace is, He purchased more than our salvation that fateful day. He bought our salvation, our forgiveness, our peace, our healing and our adoption. He bought US. We are now slaves of God rather than slaves of sin.

God did for me what I could not do for myself. I believe He looked to the future and saw each and every soul He would redeem. Somehow, in spite our our unworthiness, He still willingly gave up His life so we could live. We cost Him EVERYTHING!

Salvation is a two-fold process of belief and repentance. You cannot have one without the other. While salvation is free, it will cost US everything as well. God doesn’t want part of us, He wants all of US. Everything we do should be motivated by a desire to please Him. Salvation isn’t an excuse to live in sin; it is the power to overcome it. That doesn’t mean we will live perfect lives, but we now have peace knowing we have a loving Father who is willing to forgive and restore us when we sin. 

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for paying a debt I could not pay. Thank You for continuing to intercede for me even now! Your grace truly is AMAZING!

I surrender my life to You. I know that I cannot make it without You, but I can do “all things” through You.

Walk with me Lord. Teach me, guide me, correct me, forgive me. I am Yours. My life is not my own. I have been bought with a price, Your precious, perfect, sinless blood.

Help me to never forget what it cost You. Help me to never lose sight of Your suffering. You demonstrated the purest love imaginable. I am eternally in awe of You.

Amen