Weekend, September 30, 2023
What the Cross Shows Us
“God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17 NLT)
The last thing God wants is for anyone to go to Hell. That is why Jesus spoke of it in detail. That is why He warned us about it. And that is why Jesus did everything He could do for us so that we would not have to be separated from Him for all eternity.
Jesus Christ experienced Hell on earth so that we don’t have to experience it for eternity. When Jesus hung on the cross and bore the sins of the world, it was like Hell on earth. He was absorbing God’s wrath in our place, taking the judgment upon Himself. He was bearing our sin.
Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven. That was the mission of His life on earth. He was on a collision course with it.
The cross shows us how much God loves us and doesn’t want us to go to Hell. It stands as a reminder that a hellish existence is not the only option we have. We can choose to change our eternal address.
The gospel is a universal declaration that Hell is not God’s desire for anyone.
Those who want to reject God’s offer and live in their sin will have no one to blame but themselves on that final day. In fact, we must effectively step over Jesus to get to Hell.
Jesus said, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).
Which road are you on? You have a free will. So, you can march in lockstep with those around you who are on the broad road that leads to destruction. Or, you can think for yourself and follow Jesus Christ.
He died for you. He rose from the dead. And He is standing at the door of your life and knocking. He says, “If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in” (Revelation 3:20 NLT).
If you believe in Jesus Christ and turn from your sin, then you will go to Heaven when you die. But if you do not believe in Jesus Christ and reject His offer of forgiveness, then you will go to Hell when you die. It’s as simple as that. And it is your choice.
God said, “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” (Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT).
Not only does God tell us what our options are, but He also gives us the answer. Choose life. But remember, it is a choice. God offers it as a gift.
Have you received that gift? If you haven’t, then do it now.
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