Were you there?

Scriptural reference: Isaiah 53:5 (kjv) "But HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon HIM, and with HIS stripes we are healed."

1 Peter 2:21-24 (kjv) (paraphrase) "...CHRIST suffered for us... who HIS own self bare our sins in HIS own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."

It's likely that you have remnants of the roast you made for the celebration of JESUS resurrection in your refrigerator. The roasted bits are creatively tucked into pitas, taco shells, and slices of toasty bread until they are mere memory of something delicious and shared. It's also likely that you heard it alluded to in song or sermon, "Were you there when they crucified my LORD?"

As that term was likely echoing in your ears, you may well have thought, "No. I wasn't there."

We were all there. JESUS gave HIS life for all mankind at Calvary.

Selah. (aka: think on that)

In the Garden of Gethsemane JESUS wrestled with obeying the will of HIS FATHER to go to Calvary to die as the atoning sacrifice for our sin. JESUS wrestled because HE had never sinned. JESUS didn't want to be separated from HIS holy FATHER by our sin, not even for a moment. JESUS felt the weight of that price. HIS anguished prayer, "FATHER if it's possible...." was wrung out of HIS heart that knew HIS task would be inestimably great.

The only way we can begin to fathom the weight of sin JESUS bore is when we look at our sins and how we have been sinned against. The pain of those sins committed against us and suffered by us are but a small portion we can not bare that begins to give us a sense of the glorious grace of JESUS sacrifice at Calvary. This is astonishing grace for all of us and each of us individually.

After praying until great drops of blood ran down HIS face JESUS submitted HIMSELF to HIS FATHER's will. JESUS knew that it was for this cause, (i.e., Calvary, HIS resurrection, commissioning the church, and HIS ascension) that HE came and lived without sin. HE did all of this for every person ever conceived. I say JESUS died for every person conceived because some babies were conceived and did not come to live birth. JESUS died for those persons, too. Every conceived child, that has come to birth, was born in sin. JESUS died for all souls. All souls need JESUS.

How could you have been at Calvary?

At Calvary JESUS bore the sin of HIS human creation: all mankind. No matter the era in which you were born, you are part of all mankind. After the Fall, we were all born in sin. Since Calvary we all have the opportunity to submit to JESUS LORDship, repent and be saved.

Do you recall that after JESUS died HE went into hell and preached to those who were in hell? Can't you see JESUS's commanding holy presence as HE strode in to hell and took the keys of death, hell, and the grave??!!! Oh boy that is thrilling in my imaginings!! JESUS is victorious over sin for all who submit to HIS Sovereignty. Amen.

JESUS crucifixion, resurrection and ascension are not a free pass to live in sin. JESUS crucifixion, resurrection and ascension are an invitation to submit to JESUS's LORDship and love that has come to free us from the penalty of sin we all owe. JESUS is available to you. Salvation is not free. JESUS paid for our redemption with HIS whole body, will, heart, mind, and soul. We cannot repay JESUS for the extravagant gift of forgiveness. However, we can give ourselves to HIM.

Scriptural reference: John 6:37 (kjv) JESUS said, "All that the FATHER giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."

Today is the day of salvation. Come to JESUS and live.

Feel free to shine,

One Light

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OneLight

Were you there?

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