The message of Easter is summarised in five words - "Christ died for our sins".
The message is clear!
The person who died was Jesus Christ. His death took place roughly 1984 years ago outside the ancient city of Jerusalem.
As we approach Easter I wonder if you have ever stopped to think about this. Why did he die? Was it a miscarriage of justice? Was it just the result of an unfortunate turn of events?
It doesn't take long when reading the New Testament to come to the conclusion that Jesus was not the type of man you would associate with criminality! His life was unique! He was kind to a fault, honest and truthful, pure in lifestyle, unworldly, generous, thoughtful and without flaw or failure.
If you listen to his words you will quickly come to the conclusion that he was out-spoken! But he wasn't harsh unless it was really justified. The poor were blessed by him, the broken were healed, the crushed were made whole. His teaching and words were authoritative but not worthy of death.
If he was such a good man - why did he die a seemingly pre-mature death?
The answer is in the verse at the top of this post - "Christ died for our sins". His death was intentional, purposeful and planned. Before the world was created he was 'the lamb slain'. It was the purpose for which he came into the world. How noble, but was it a waste?
One day Jesus was heard to say these words - "Verily, Verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die it bringeth forth much fruit," John 12:24. Just as a seed will not grown in a packet or on a shelf so Jesus was teaching that his death was necessary to give life to fallen mankind. Unless he died no-one could be saved. We would all remain dead in our sins and doomed to face the second death and separation from God.
The Easter story is wrapped up in this verse - "Christ died for our sins". He was buried and he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. The scriptures simply means the writings. It is telling us that the Old Testament scriptures (as the New Testament wasn't written at the time) had predicted the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. To prove this you would need to read Psalm 16, Psalm 22, Isaiah 53 plus other references.
Christ died for our sins but he is now alive and in heaven. You are dead in your sins and heading for hell and the legal and just judgement of God. You could be safe, saved and blessed today if you accept the 'gift of God which is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord'.
The price was paid to save you - Christ died.
The people are identified for whom he died - for our sins.
The choice lies with you - will you repent (turn from your sin to God) and believe the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Many God bless you this Easter season.
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