Forever Grateful
Today is Good Friday, on which Christians commemorate Jesus' death on the cross.
Why is that significant?
When Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, He asked if there were any way to avoid the impending trial and crucifixion. There wasn't. The only path to redeem humanity was the one that led directly to the cross. In perfect obedience, Jesus yielded to His Father's will, and was strengthened and empowered by the Holy Spirit to face what was to come.
It is not a popular idea today to acknowledge the need for a Savior, but Jesus made it clear that Heaven and eternal life are not automatic. Our sins were forgiven at a price, and that price was the blood of the only true innocent Man to have ever lived, the precious and holy Son of God.
For the work that He did on the cross, I shall be forever grateful.
I am eternally grateful that Jesus was willing to endure the horror of the cross, to take upon Himself the sin of all the world, from the beginning to the end of time, suffering the full wrath of His Father, though He had done nothing to deserve it.
I am grateful that He took my punishment upon Himself and died in my place, so that I could have forgiveness of sin and eternal life through faith in Him.
I am grateful that He has given me an eternal and a joyful hope, that I am not destined for dust and oblivion, nor for the torment of hell, but for eternal fellowship in His love.
I am grateful that He has declared that He will create a new Heaven and a new Earth, and redeem the world from the curse of sin, and that He makes all things new.
I am grateful that He has made His grace known to me, that I might walk in fellowship with Him today and all the days of my life. He promises that He will never leave nor forsake me, and His promises are true and trustworthy.
I'm thankful for all the love He has shown me, and the mercy He extends to me each and every day.
Fellowship with God through faith in Jesus, forgiveness of sin, and the sure promise of eternal life... all made possible by what He did on the cross.
Praise Him forever!
