Christ on the cross symbolised redemption. The word ‘redemption’ means saving, or being saved from. Jesus’ death and His resurrection means we’ve been saved from our sin. Hallelujah! The Bible says: ‘there is salvation in no one else, but Jesus! And there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved’.
Without Jesus’ death, our sins would continue to separate us from God forever. Jesus fulfilled the law for us, therefore we have been declared righteous. Peter says, ‘He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross, so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.’
Jesus is our substitute. He took our punishment, freeing us and giving us the opportunity of eternal life. (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV). On the cross Jesus became what we were — sin — so we could become what He is — righteous. When He died, the curtain in the Temple was torn. At that moment the Bible says that ‘the curtain of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom.’ This symbolised that the sinful barrier between God and us had been removed.
Today, let’s remember, Jesus’ death freed us from a life of sin and shame, and opened up a life where we can personally come to God and enter His presence. Before the curtain in the temple was torn, only priests were allowed into the holiest place of the sanctuary, where they could meet with God on the people’s behalf (Exodus 40). Thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice, we’ve been redeemed. We’re no longer condemned, now we can go directly into God’s presence, where He will accept us and forgive us.
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.’ (Matthew 27:51 NIV)
Pray With Me
Yahweh, how can I say thank You for taking my place, my sin and my shame? Yahshua, thanks for removing the division my sin had caused, so now I can be close to You, and that You can always be close to me. God, after the reflection of this weekend, my love for You has become deeper, and I vow to commit my life to You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
A special word from the Lord, from Pastor Ray Patrick.
