By Sandy Mahle
Christ’s death on the cross is not just a Good Friday message or a Lenten theme. It matters to all people everywhere for all time. First John 2:2 says, “[Christ] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (New International Version). It’s been estimated that over the course of history more than 100 billion people have lived on this earth. On the cross, Christ paid the penalty for their sins and provided eternal life—not only for every person who has ever lived, but for everyone who will be born after us. He took the place of each person, took up our weaknesses, carried our sorrows, and bore our sins. And he didn’t just bear them in some generalized form; he bore every one of our individual griefs and transgressions
Jesus did it all so that through faith in him we would find forgiveness for those sins, freedom from guilt, comfort in sorrow, grace in need, and above all, restored communion with God and eternal life with him.
Jesus died on the cross for all people for all time, including you. So that whatever guilt and shame you carry can be laid at the cross, repented of, and forgiven by God. Whatever your grieve, he offers comfort. Whatever your need, he offers grace. Jesus bore it all so that you can be forgiven, comforted, and strengthened.
You need only to confess your sins, ask God’s forgiveness, and trust your life to him. Have you done that? Have you worshiped him just now. If not, will you?
Sandy Mayle is a freelance writer who lives in Erie, Pennsylvania.
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