Last time, we discussed how our relationship with God was ruined by our sins. We need help in order to restore (set things right) with Him. But, how does even one go about this? We can't do it on own merits (Ephesians 2:8-9).
What is needed is a "change," or reconciliation in the relationship between God and man (us). This is where Jesus Christ steps in. Only He could reconcile (restore) this bond that was broken by sin (Ephesians 2:1; 4:18).
However, before we move ahead, let's step back for just a moment and focus on Jesus' purpose in all of this. It is our imperfection (because of sin) that created this disruption in our relationship with God. That is, He is perfect; we are not.
Being created in His image, we were perfect once, until our sin took care of that (Genesis 1:27; 3:7). Once man had sinned against God it all worsened from there. Suddenly our relationship had changed. Every thing changed!
And no matter how many sacrifices or laws were made, it would never be enough to save us (Psalm 51:16-17; Hosea 6:6). Thankfully, God loved us so much that he couldn't stand idly by and allow us to wallow helplessly in sin (Romans 3:23).
Coming back to what was said earlier, Jesus Christ came here to mend our broken relationship with God. In fact, God sent Him for that specific purpose (John 3:16); which would require "sacrifice" of a different sort.
Remember, in the O.T., God considered the blood sacrifice of a perfect animal as payment for man's sin (Genesis 3:21). It was this shedding of innocent blood that served as propitiation for it: as we are hardly innocent of sin.
It was the intentional shedding of Jesus' blood on the Cross that would reconcile the break between God and us. God the Father accepted the blood of His Son as payment for the debt of our sins (John 3:16; Colossians 2:13–15).
This was quite necessary because without the shedding of the innocent blood of Jesus, forgiveness would be out of the question. Without it, we (you and I) would suffer eternal separation from God (Hebrews 9:22).
Consequently, there is only "one" true way to a better life, and forgiveness of our sins and that is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). But as wonderful as these blessings may resonate with us, there is still more. I do hope you will join me next time!
Scripture: John 6:44; Luke 19:10; John 1:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 2:24
Prayer: "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation." - Psalm 68:19 (ESV)
May God bless you!
Brandi
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