Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Luke 23:34 "Father, Forgive them."
CHRIST'S RESURRECTION -- OUR PROOF: THE FATHER HAS FORGIVEN US
Jesus prayed for our forgiveness. Have you ever wondered how can we really know for sure if God has forgiven us? How can we tell? It's not something we can feel. We can't see our sins clinging to our soul so we can see if they are taken away. Christ's resurrection is our proof of forgiveness. If Jesus had not risen from the dead, then we would not have forgiveness. If Christ had not risen, then He must have had to die for His own sin. As Paul said, "If Christ is not risen ... you are still in your sins!" (1 Corinthians 15:17).
The fact is, Jesus did die under the curse of God. That was necessary according to the Scriptures. The letter to the Galatians explains, "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them'" (Galatians 3:10). We were under God's curse because we had not continued to do everything written in God's law. We sinned and brought God's curse upon ourselves. But then God continues with the good news, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.')" Christ bore that curse for us. He suffered the cursed death in our place.
That is why Christ had to suffer. It was the only way to save us. Jesus' resurrection proves that God accepted the sacrifice Christ made. Jesus is not still under the curse of God, but is raised glorious and forever. God thereby declared our debt to be "Paid in Full!" The sentence against us was complete. Christ was released from the prison of death, and since He died for us, we too are released with Him.
Truly the Father has forgiven us! Christ's Resurrection from the dead is our proof of that fact. Your sins do not separate you from God any more. They do not bring God's curse upon you. You are forgiven. Hallelujah!
