"Finding Out" Study4-p16

EVERYTHING RECORDED in the New Testament about Jesus is wonderful. This is especially true about His dying love for sinners. That so much should be done for those who were so undeserving is astonishing! That the chief of sinners, such as murders and the like can be saved, if they repent and believe, is amazing! That the worst crime in the annals of human history, the crucifixion of the Son of God, can be forgiven, and that by means of the crucifixion itself, is beyond the ability of man to grasp. Surely, eternity is too short to utter all the praise that is due to God, and to His very ill-used Son, Jesus Christ!

At no time was Jesus compelled to die, unless it was by love for us and delight to do His Father’ will. This alone drove Him to the cross. He deliberately died. No one took His life from Him! And all this that we might be saved, if we respond as we should.

SUMMARY: Jesus guarantees Heaven for every believer. He told His disciples that He would prepare a place for each of them. All true disciples of Christ can expect the same.

Heaven is different to this world. Not only is it pure and holy, it is also enduring. Nothing grows old or dies in Heaven. Neither is there any pain there.

Crucifixion is a terrible death, but there was more to the death of Jesus than physical pain. There was divine anger from the Father towards His Son. This led to the despairing cry of Jesus on the cross, “Why have you forsaken Me?” For the first time, the life-long fellowship with His Father in Heaven was broken.

It was an awesome death, but Jesus died willingly. It was love for us, not nails, that held Him to the cross!