The profound love behind the cross
The Profound Love Behind the Cross: Reflecting on God's Sovereign Plan
As we approach Easter, our hearts and minds turn to the events of Good Friday and the incredible sacrifice made on our behalf. While it's easy to get caught up in the sorrow of Christ's crucifixion, we must remember that Sunday is coming. The resurrection gives meaning to the cross, transforming a day of apparent defeat into the ultimate victory.
Let's take a moment to reflect on the profound love and divine plan behind Christ's sacrifice. The events of Good Friday were not a tragic accident or an unforeseen complication in God's plan. Rather, they were the culmination of a strategy set in motion before the foundation of the world.
The apostle Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed this truth to a diverse crowd gathered in Jerusalem. He declared that Jesus of Nazareth, though crucified by human hands, was "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God." This wasn't a last-minute solution to humanity's sin problem. It was God's master plan from the very beginning.
Consider the words of the Psalmist, written a thousand years before Christ's birth: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" These same words would be cried out by Jesus on the cross, a haunting reminder of the spiritual abandonment He experienced as He bore the weight of our sins. The prophet Isaiah, writing 700 years before the crucifixion, vividly described the suffering servant who would be "pierced for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities."
These prophecies remind us that God's plan of redemption was not a reactionary measure. It was a carefully orchestrated rescue mission, set in motion before time began. As the apostle Paul writes, God's purpose and grace were given to us in Christ Jesus "before the ages began."
The cross stands as a stark reminder of the severity of sin and the depths of God's love. If we ever doubt how seriously God takes sin, we need only look at the cross. The torture and agony endured by the sinless Son of God demonstrate the cosmic treason of our rebellion against a holy God. Yet, in that same moment, we see the unfathomable love of a Father willing to sacrifice His Son to redeem His wayward children.
On the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the full weight of human sin and guilt. As the apostle Paul beautifully explains, God canceled "the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." Every sin – past, present, and future – was placed on Christ. When God looks at those who have put their faith in Jesus, He no longer sees their sin. Instead, He sees the righteousness of His Son.
This truth should fill us with both humility and confidence. We contribute nothing to our salvation except the sin that made it necessary. Our redemption is entirely the work of God, planned from eternity past and executed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As one theologian poignantly stated, "The only proper answer to why we are saved is in the third person – because He, because He."
Consider the thief on the cross, who in his final moments turned to Jesus in faith. He had no opportunity for good works, baptism, or church membership. Yet Jesus promised him, "Today you will be with me in paradise." If asked by heaven's angels on what basis he was admitted, his only response could be, "The man on the middle cross said I could come."
This is the essence of the gospel – not our works or worthiness, but the finished work of Christ on our behalf. It's a truth we must preach to ourselves daily, lest we slip into self-reliance or despair. The cross of Christ is the only remedy for both the depths of human depravity and the heights of human arrogance.
As we reflect on the events of Good Friday, let us be filled with wonder at the love of God. A love so deep that the Father would give His only Son to make wretches His treasure. A love so vast that it stretches beyond all measure, reaching back before time began and extending into eternity future.
Let the words of the hymn writer stir our hearts:
"How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure, That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure."
This Good Friday, as we contemplate the cross, may we be overwhelmed by the love that drove Christ to Calvary. May we find renewed confidence in a salvation that depends not on our feeble efforts, but on the perfect sacrifice of our Savior. And may we be compelled to share this good news with a world desperately in need of hope.
For in the cross, we find the heart of the gospel – that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. It was bad for Him, but infinitely good for us. And because of His sacrifice, we can look forward with joy to the celebration of His resurrection, knowing that Sunday is coming.
As we go about our days, may we keep our eyes fixed on the cross, allowing its message to shape our lives and fuel our worship. For it is only through the cross that we find forgiveness, redemption, and the assurance of eternal life. This Good Friday, let us rejoice in the profound love and sovereign plan of our God, who turns the darkness of Calvary into the glorious light of Easter morning.
As we approach Easter, our hearts and minds turn to the events of Good Friday and the incredible sacrifice made on our behalf. While it's easy to get caught up in the sorrow of Christ's crucifixion, we must remember that Sunday is coming. The resurrection gives meaning to the cross, transforming a day of apparent defeat into the ultimate victory.
Let's take a moment to reflect on the profound love and divine plan behind Christ's sacrifice. The events of Good Friday were not a tragic accident or an unforeseen complication in God's plan. Rather, they were the culmination of a strategy set in motion before the foundation of the world.
The apostle Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed this truth to a diverse crowd gathered in Jerusalem. He declared that Jesus of Nazareth, though crucified by human hands, was "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God." This wasn't a last-minute solution to humanity's sin problem. It was God's master plan from the very beginning.
Consider the words of the Psalmist, written a thousand years before Christ's birth: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" These same words would be cried out by Jesus on the cross, a haunting reminder of the spiritual abandonment He experienced as He bore the weight of our sins. The prophet Isaiah, writing 700 years before the crucifixion, vividly described the suffering servant who would be "pierced for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities."
These prophecies remind us that God's plan of redemption was not a reactionary measure. It was a carefully orchestrated rescue mission, set in motion before time began. As the apostle Paul writes, God's purpose and grace were given to us in Christ Jesus "before the ages began."
The cross stands as a stark reminder of the severity of sin and the depths of God's love. If we ever doubt how seriously God takes sin, we need only look at the cross. The torture and agony endured by the sinless Son of God demonstrate the cosmic treason of our rebellion against a holy God. Yet, in that same moment, we see the unfathomable love of a Father willing to sacrifice His Son to redeem His wayward children.
On the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the full weight of human sin and guilt. As the apostle Paul beautifully explains, God canceled "the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." Every sin – past, present, and future – was placed on Christ. When God looks at those who have put their faith in Jesus, He no longer sees their sin. Instead, He sees the righteousness of His Son.
This truth should fill us with both humility and confidence. We contribute nothing to our salvation except the sin that made it necessary. Our redemption is entirely the work of God, planned from eternity past and executed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As one theologian poignantly stated, "The only proper answer to why we are saved is in the third person – because He, because He."
Consider the thief on the cross, who in his final moments turned to Jesus in faith. He had no opportunity for good works, baptism, or church membership. Yet Jesus promised him, "Today you will be with me in paradise." If asked by heaven's angels on what basis he was admitted, his only response could be, "The man on the middle cross said I could come."
This is the essence of the gospel – not our works or worthiness, but the finished work of Christ on our behalf. It's a truth we must preach to ourselves daily, lest we slip into self-reliance or despair. The cross of Christ is the only remedy for both the depths of human depravity and the heights of human arrogance.
As we reflect on the events of Good Friday, let us be filled with wonder at the love of God. A love so deep that the Father would give His only Son to make wretches His treasure. A love so vast that it stretches beyond all measure, reaching back before time began and extending into eternity future.
Let the words of the hymn writer stir our hearts:
"How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure, That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure."
This Good Friday, as we contemplate the cross, may we be overwhelmed by the love that drove Christ to Calvary. May we find renewed confidence in a salvation that depends not on our feeble efforts, but on the perfect sacrifice of our Savior. And may we be compelled to share this good news with a world desperately in need of hope.
For in the cross, we find the heart of the gospel – that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. It was bad for Him, but infinitely good for us. And because of His sacrifice, we can look forward with joy to the celebration of His resurrection, knowing that Sunday is coming.
As we go about our days, may we keep our eyes fixed on the cross, allowing its message to shape our lives and fuel our worship. For it is only through the cross that we find forgiveness, redemption, and the assurance of eternal life. This Good Friday, let us rejoice in the profound love and sovereign plan of our God, who turns the darkness of Calvary into the glorious light of Easter morning.
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