So another Easter has come and gone. Hymns have been sung, "He is Risen!" has been shouted from the rooftops, and empty tombs have been on display. But you might be wondering, "What's all the hubub?"
Or, more accurately, you might secretly be wondering if God might forgive even you. Here's the gospel truth: 1 Timothy 1:15, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."
Jesus came to save sinners. All of us. The worst of us. That's why He came and died and rose again. That's the reason. You might be thinking, "but you don't know what I've done." You might be able to name some pretty horrific things too. I know I could. Seriously, if some of your sins were broadcast live on tv, you might realistically need to think about leaving the country. But those sins, even the blackest sins, aren't hidden to God.
Take an honest look at the worst of your sins. Any of them in there worse than putting the Son of God to death? I mean, what about those rancid, nasty Jews and Romans who laughed at Jesus and spat on him, and tore his flesh up with whips, thorns, nails, and blades? Your sin approach that level? Could anyone's sins ever reach that level? We're talking about God's only Son, innocent of all charges, being tortured and murdered. And yet, while hanging on the very cross that would kill Him, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them. They know not what they do." DO YOU HEAR THAT? It's the cry of love.
Forgiveness, right from Jesus' bloody lips. If God can forgive them, He can forgive you. Anything and everything. God has written you a blank check, signed in Jesus' blood, paying the debt price for every sin you ever have or ever will commit. But it's FAR more than just a debt cancellation. It's actually a payment for all sin PLUS infinitely more riches. You are given eternity. You are given peace with God. You are given the ability to choose to love. You are given freedom. You are given power. You are given the love of God for each moment of every day.
It sounds too good to be true. Shoot, it is too good to be true. But it is true. We have God's word on that. And by the way, the dude who wrote the verse back there and called himself --present tense-- the chief of sinners, that would be the Apostle Paul who wrote 2/3 of the New Testament and spread the message of Jesus saving sinners all across the world. Yeah, that's how God rolls.
It's a blank check. But you have to put your name on it. You have to know that all your sin and yuck and fear and selfishness—all of it is obliterated by Jesus. Believe and you will be saved. Accept the gift of eternal life from Jesus. You'll never regret it. Even if you live ten trillion years, you'll never ever regret it. Because you will live ten trillion years…and more…with Jesus.
