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Romans 4:25
who [Jesus] was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
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The
Bible tells us that Christ was delivered up for our sins and raised
from the dead for our justification. You may already know why Jesus died
for our sins, but do you know the significance of God raising Him from
the dead?
Let me give you an illustration to help you understand the significance of Jesus’ resurrection.
Let’s
say that you are living in a foreign country. One day, you happen to
break a major rule of the land. You appeal to the king for mercy. He
says, “A rule is a rule. I cannot bend the rule for you. What will
others say about my integrity? However, if you can find a substitute to
take your punishment—three months in jail—I will allow it.”
By
God’s grace, you find a willing substitute. He goes to prison on your
behalf and you don’t see him for some time. Days, weeks and months pass
by.
Now, how or when will you know that your crime has been fully
paid for? When will you be able to rest easy regarding your crime? It is
when you see your substitute walking free again! When you see him out
of prison, you will know that the sentence has been fully served. You
will know that you are now justified and no one can bring a charge
against you for your old crime. No longer will you be afraid of the king
or his guards coming after you because you know that the one who was
punished in your place is now walking free.
Beloved, Jesus, your
substitute, paid the debt you could not pay. On the cross, He bore the
sins of your entire life. God put it all on Jesus and then He punished
Jesus for every single one of those sins until He was fully satisfied.
And because He was so pleased with what Jesus had done, He raised Him
from the dead.
Today, Jesus’ tomb remains empty. He is not there
for He has risen! His resurrection and empty tomb will forever be our
assurance that we have been fully justified. You no longer have to be
afraid of God judging you for your sins. His justice is on your side
today! |
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