The Bethlen Home Messenger, 2000-2001 (1-4. szám)
2001-02-01 / 2. szám
Uctüntp ÏMgf)ltgï)t3 continued from previous page... his life to reconcile man back to God. He came to the Jew first and then to the Gentile. This year, April 8 will be the start of celebrating the redemption and salvation of man. As was prophesied, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, and as he entered, many spread their garments on the road. Others cut down leafy branches from trees, and spread them on the roads. Then those who went before and those who followed cried out saying, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, He knew what His fate was to be. Within two days He would be betrayed by one of His disciples and He would be arrested then tried, and then crucified. Jesus was a man without sin, but He became sin on the cross so that we could be saved. Because of Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden, man had been separated from God. Jesus came so that man could be reconciled back to God. He came to bridge the gap that was between God and man. Jesus knew as He rode into Jerusalem, that lambs would be slaughtered by the thousands for the Passover celebration. He also knew that He was the Lamb of God that would be slain this Passover, not to cover over the sins of man, but to wash mankind's sins away by shedding His blood on the cross. He knew that He would experience betrayal and go through a trial that had already decided on His fate. He knew that He would be beaten and bruised beyond recognition. He knew that they would strip off His clothes and hang Him from a tree. He knew that nails would pierce His hands and feet, and that a spear would be thrust into His side. He knew that soldiers would cast lots for his robe. He knew that He would die on the cross between two thieves. The one on the right would ask for mercy, and the one on the left would mock Him. But Jesus also knew one more thing. He knew that after three days in the grave, He would be resurrected back to life, and that mankind could now be saved because of His blood sacrifice on the cross. The cross did not bring death, it brought life. Spiritual life that man had lost back in the Garden of Eden. The first Adam had sinned but the second Adam (Jesus) was without sin. Scripture tells us in Revelation 13:8: That the Lamb (Jesus) was slain before the foundation of the earth. God knew that man would sin, and He provided for man's sin before He created the Heavens and the Earth. His love for mankind is so great, that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice. This Easter, as we begin our celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, let us ponder over what He gave up and went through to give man eternal life. He left riches and glory to be beaten beyond recognition, and He died a shameful and agonizing death. He became that sacrificial Lamb that shed His blood to wash away the sins of man. Man's sins would no longer be covered over, but washed away. He died for every man, (past, present and future), and, like a lamb goes quietly to the slaughter, He went quietly to the cross. Like the first Adam, we have the choice of believing or not believing God's Word. John 3:16 tells us: "For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, and whosoever believes on Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life. " Scripture also tells us in John 3:3 that "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. " God guarantees and gives life to all those who believe and receive His only Son as their personal Lord and Savior. There is no other way. We must ask forgiveness for our sins and receive His Son as Lord. Then God gives to us that which He has promised. Many know who Jesus is, don't know Him as Lord and Savior. They haven't come to the realization of who He truly is. He is God! The giver of life. Without Him we don't have life. Easter symbolizes God's love and life-giving power. Thank Him for the love He poured out to all mankind. He loves you beyond measure!
