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Seriously
searching for the truth |
HE THAT BELIEVETH IN ME SHALL
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ANSWERS
TO LIFE'S BIG QUESTIONS... |
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“Human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” C.S. Lewis
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Rembrandt in his famous painting,
'the crucifixion' attempts to portray the crucifixion of Christ in all the physical and bloody torture of the worst in Roman capital punishment. But an interesting detail could well be missed in this painting and that is the signature of Rembrandt. It is found beneath the bleeding feet of Jesus engraved on the cross. Some have said the person on the cross even looks like Rembrandt but that is open for debate. One thing that we cannot argue with is that like Rembrandt we all have our signature on that centre cross. Have you ever wondered why at least once a year at Easter and for many who are christians, every week we remember the death of Jesus Christ? (1) (2) (3) Usually after a man's death, the memory of that man begins to fade over the centuries but not Jesus Christ. The bible tells us our link with His cross in 1 Corinthians 15v3, "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures." Many people believe that Jesus Christ 'died' - that is historically. But to go farther and acknowledge that Christ died for 'my sins' - is to consider why He died. So why did He die? He died that I might be forgiven. As I understand the cross of Jesus' I must take my place at that cross and confess that what God says about me is true. Romans 3v23 says: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Then I must turn from my sins and realise that Jesus Christ was paying for my sins upon the cross and so my signature IS there! It was the rebellion of man's sinful heart that wanted to crucify a perfect man! Ah but you say "wait a minute! How could someone dying 2000 years ago pay for my sins before I was even born?" The answer is simple, it was not just 'anyone' on that cross! It was the Son of God who IS God and knows all things! He knew about you and every sin you would ever commit. More than that, the bible records that on the cross "Jesus knowing all things were now finished said "I thirst." Jesus did not have His life taken from him, He had power to lay it down. He came into the world with that purpose because He loved you and me. But finally there is one more thing. Rembrandt placed his signature on the cross because He was finished. Imagine coming along and adding to what He did! So too Jesus Christ on that cross said "It is finished" - All one word in Greek tetelestai Your sins were paid for in full, you have nothing to do but place your faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Why? Because on the third day He tore away death and rose from the dead. That means He can save you because He is alive! Don't try and add to what Jesus Christ finished by good works or baptism. Just rest in faith upon Him alone. What if you don't? Well the cross shows how seriously God takes your sins because we see what He allowed Christ to suffer on your behalf. So you must learn that while God is a God of infinite love He is also a just and Holy God who cannot ignore your sin. Therefore you will face the eternal wrath of God in Hell and never experience the joy and peace of Heaven. What will you do with the Christ of the cross this Easter? Are you prepared to take a closer look and see Him die! Look at my hands and see I bore the nails for thee I died to set thee free Come and believe |
BY JONATHAN BLACK
THE LOVE OF MONEY
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