03.27.24
‘The Seven Sayings of Christ Upon the Cross’
God loves me. Why? It is His choice and His grace alone; nothing about me deserves either His grace or His love. Rather than leave me in my sins, He sent His own Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty my sin demanded. Although Jesus lived a sinless life, He died in my place.
Before He died, He spoke seven times from the cross. These are His words:
Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:24) The first words from the cross are not about the pain or the injustice. They are a prayer for those who have just crucified the Son of God.
Verily, I say unto thee, today thou shalt be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43). Jesus had come to seek and to save that which was lost. Now, at this hour of death, He offers eternal salvation to the repentant thief hanging next to Him. The offer still stands for all who repent and believe. Sadly, most will not, or will try their own way to believe or be religious.
Woman, behold thy son; behold thy mother. (John 19:26, 27) Jesus cares about those who love Him. When He saw His mother weeping at the foot of the cross, he made provision for her. He instructed John to take care of her. Jesus knows and cares about our needs.
My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46) Separation from God is hell. There was no greater agony for Jesus than to be separated from God. Yet He willingly endured this suffering on our behalf. Those who refuse to repent and believe still face the agony of eternal separation from God in a very real hell. Repent and believe, while there is still time.
I thirst. (John 19:28) Jesus, though divine, assumed our human nature at conception, in order that the penalty due the human race would be borne by a human who never sinned. The agony of Jesus’ thirst demonstrates the reality of His physical suffering on our behalf. That the Son of God should become man is a mystery. That our sin and guilt can be laid on Him is a mystery. But we can believe and be saved!
It is finished (John 19:30) The just anger of God against sin lay upon Jesus at His crucifixion. Now the penalty was paid. My salvation was complete. Because of Jesus, we who believe are reconciled to God and are members of God’s family now and for eternity.
Father, into thy fands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46) The wages of sin is death. Jesus paid that price for all His own. After three days, God raised Him from the grave, showing Jesus was God and that the sacrifice was accepted. After appearing to many of his believers, Jesus went to heaven where He is today, still giving of Himself on our behalf. The salvation won for us by the sacrifice of Jesus is not for everyone. It is only for those who repent and believe.
[This article was written by Dr. Robert E. Griffin. It was slightly edited and used by permission] If we at Immanuel Baptist Church can be of any help to you at this Resurrection time, please feel free to call upon us.