The Real Reason For The Cross - Pt 3

The Real Reason For The Cross - Pt 3

When we think about God and His nature, we realize that His holiness rises to the top as an incredibly important aspect of His character. His holiness is what separates us from Him. He designed us to have a relationship with Him but we rebelled and sinned.

That mistake cost us our lives. God clearly taught that sin would bring death. That meant separation from Him. Every one of us suffers as a consequence of that decision. All of mankind is fallen and lost.

God loves His creation. His desire is to restore, rather than destroy. But how can a just and holy God restore sinful creatures to a relationship with Himself? How can the lost be restored? How can the sinful be made holy and the broken be made whole? How can the dead live again?

None of us have a plan for that. God is unreachable by mankind and there is literally nothing we can do. The only way we could ever be restored would be for God to come to us. In order for mankind to be reconciled to God, all of the requirements of justice, righteousness, and holiness would have to be met.

Mankind would have to be redeemed meaning the penalty for their sin would have to be paid. Mankind would have to be saved from their bondage to sin and the world, be delivered from the power of death, be made whole again with hearts cleansed and souls purified. Only then could we ever hope to stand in the presence of a holy God.

So … to earth came Jesus. Our Redeemer, Savior, Deliverer, Healer. Our Consolation and Comforter, the Horn of Salvation, the Messiah and Cornerstone. Our Refuge, Rock and Fortress. Our Advocate, Mediator and Great High Priest.

And let’s not forget the name He was given by angelic messenger at His entrance into the world. Immanuel: God With Us.

How does that all come together for you and me? We’ll share that tomorrow.