He Died For Us

Romans 5:8 says "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 


This is a perfect picture of true love. John 15:13 says "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." Christ laid down his life for us so that we could have eternal life with Him and a relationship with the Father. He died while we were SINNERS. To me, this means that we can't earn our salvation. It's a free gift from God through His Son Jesus Christ. 

Luke 23 outlines the trial and crucifixion of Christ. In verse 25, Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified and releases Barabbas (who had been in prison for rebellion and murder) Jesus took Barabbas' place. This is a perfect picture of Christ demonstrating His love. We are the "Barabbas". While we were still sinners, Christ took our place on the cross and died for us.


Luke 23:26-43 outlines the crucifixion of Christ. In verse 34 Jesus says, "Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing." Through all of His pain and suffering, Christ prays for those beside him. This again shows His love for us. He is constantly forgiving us. In verse 42, one of the criminals beside him says, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!" Jesus replies, "I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise." I love verse 43 because it truly shows God's grace. He is so graceful and this grace is how we are saved. "It is by grace we have been saved, through faith- and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Eph. 2:8-9) 


Christ died for us while we were sinners. We are saved by grace through faith, nothing of our own. Share this good news.