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“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:6–8, NIV).
In modern culture when people think of enemies, they probably think of a superhero and a villain fighting until one ultimately overpowers the other, or perhaps an image of rival armies. No matter what visual comes to mind, it is unlikely to be an image of a person dying for their enemies. However, this is what Jesus did for us in order to mend our relationship with him.
Sin creates a problem for humanity. Our sin is what makes it impossible for us to have a relationship with God and gain eternal life with our own power. God is perfect and loving and because of this He is just. He cannot let sin go without punishment. Without a solution, we would be bound for destruction and pain.
Thankfully for us, God had a plan to fix our brokenness and mistakes and redeem us. That plan was sending a perfect human sacrifice, Jesus. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8, NIV
Jesus became human in order to pay for our sins. Throughout his life, he was sinless and lived perfectly. Because he was human and without sin, he was able to take our sin and sacrifice himself on the cross to pay for our mistakes. He rose again and because of him Christians can be free from sin. Jesus paid it all.
“Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow.” – Elvina M. Hall, 1865
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” – Romans 8:1–2, NIV
Even for Christians, guilt and shame can creep into our lives. It is important for us to remember that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” because we have been set “free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2, NIV).
Jesus took our sins upon himself when he died on the cross and rose from the grave three days later. He purifies us of our sins. We do not have to be bound by guilt for our sins because we are freed from them and can find forgiveness in Christ. This forgiveness is available to all those who ask for it and recognize that God is worthy of our praise and obedience and that Jesus has made a way for us to be reconciled with Him. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NIV).
Jesus did not pay for our sins only in part: he paid for all our sins. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36, NIV).
He has made a way for us to be with God, defeating death and hell. This does not mean we are free from sin and temptations on Earth or consequences for our actions, but it does mean we do not have to live in fear. Instead, we can have confidence and freedom in our salvation through Jesus Christ.
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