What Happened at the Cross?

     Our God is holy and He has an uncompromising attitude toward all forms of evil.  His justice requires payment for all sin.
      Under the Old Testament sacrificial  system, established by God, priests made daily offerings for the nation's sins (Exodus 29:38,39)  People brought lambs and other animals to the temple as payment for their wrongdoing (Leviticus 5:5-7).
       When God's chosen Lamb, Jesus, laid down His life as a substitute for all men, payment for sin was complete.  Jesus bore in His body the full penalty for our disobedience - past, present and future.  No further sacrifice is required.  (Hebrews 7:27).
        At the cross God revealed His wrath against all unrighteousness (Romans 1:18,19) Judgement against sin was carried out.  One man-the virgin born, sinless, incarnate Son of God, offered Himself to stand in our place and receive God's judgment for our sin.
        Jesus took the divine condemnation and wrath we deserve.  When we receive Jesus as our personal Savior, we are no longer under a death sentence.  We are proclaimed "not guilty" because He took our place.
        The mercy of God in not punishing us is ours forever.  The riches of His grace give us life, even thought we deserve to die.  The cross brought death to One so that many might live. "By grace are you saved through faith" Ephesians 2:8.
         Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
Adapted from LIFE  PRINCIPLES DAILY BIBLE  Charles F. Stanley