Easter is almost upon us and I can't help but think of the sacrifice that was made for believers once for all time. All those years ago, Jesus walked His final footsteps on the dusty paths of this Earth on His way to the cross. What must He have been thinking? I'm sure I don't know, but I know His heart must have been overflowing with love because at any point in time He could have called on "more than twelve legions of angels" (Matthew 26:53 NKJV) to come to His rescue and changed the course of life for all of us.
If Jesus hadn't died on the cross we all would be getting what we deserve, death (Romans 6:23). Because of His sacrifice, we have the choice to spend eternity with Him. Have you made your choice? You may think you have all kinds of time, but only God knows the time you will leave this earth. It is reality. We are all born and we all die. There is hope though. Hope in a risen Saviour who went to the cross and died for the sins of anyone who will humble themselves and pray for the forgiveness that only Jesus can give (John 3:16).
But the story didn't end there. It didn't end on the cross. The story continued. Three days later, Christ rose from the grave. He defeated death and the grave. He defeated the enemy of humankind. Jesus defeated the powers of sin in our lives. We can choose to live our lives in obedience to God (Romans 6:12-14). Isn't that an exciting promise? Looking toward Easter, what better gift could you receive than the one Jesus holds out to you now - the gift of eternal life with Him. He is holding it out to you, waiting for you to accept it.
If you would like to accept His gift of salvation here are the steps from a post I wrote last year titled The Greatest Promise.
If you are not a Christian but would like to join the family of God, the steps to becoming part of the family are very simple. The first thing one must do is admit that they are a sinner because we all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We are all sinners and make mistakes. It does not matter how many good things we do, we are still sinners. With this admission we also need to realize that the penalty for being a sinner is death (Romans 6:23). We neither deserve to live eternally, nor do we deserve forgiveness, yet God has so graciously provided a way. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we can come to Him.
The next step is to believe with everything in you that Jesus Christ died for your sins (Romans 5:8). He died for each of us, but it is important that you make it personal. Can you say, Jesus Christ died for my sins, and truly, completely in your heart know it and believe it? If you are struggling with this truth, I recommend you read the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Read them praying that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes so you may see the truth of what Jesus has done for you.
Last but not least; you must commit your life into His capable hands (Romans 10:8-10). Confess to the Lord that you need Him to lead and guide your life. Give your life into the hands of God and let Him make the changes He desires in your life. He created you and has a plan for your life. Will you submit to Him and give Him full control?
May this Easter find you at peace and part of the family of God. Wherever you are, whoever you are remember, God loves you. He adores you and as one of my favorite hymns says, "Jesus blood can make the vilest sinner clean."
May God bless you and keep you.
In Him,
Natalie
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