Parson to Person
March 11, 2010
Once again we find ourselves rushing on towards Easter and this week of services that precede it. I look forward to those times every year. Since I was a teen they’ve been times of renewal and reflection- and like Paul with Passover, I’ve always longed to be part of them.
For us the days immediately leading up to Easter are a mini Bible conference. For others, these days, this Lenten season, have many other connections.
One Island pastor wrote to his congregation this month seeking to explain the meaning of Lent and then Easter. Here’s what he said:
“I believe that here, right after Jesus’ baptism, he is led into the wilderness on this spiritual quest to search His very soul to discover who he is and what his purpose is. What is the Son of God here for? What are we here for? These are good questions. I believe that in these forty days, Jesus recognized and claimed the main thing for his life here on earth. Many Christians believe that was to march to Jerusalem and Golgotha and to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus came to “save us”. I do not believe so…….”
What a statement for anyone who professes to call themselves a Christian, let alone, a pastor.
So what’s Jesus’ life all about? According to him it’s an example! “He came to teach us about God and God’s Love, and then, in the end, died on the cross to demonstrate that sacrificial love.”
Friends, there is no greater testament to the love of God for His sinful elect than the cross of Christ. There is no greater demonstration than His atoning work.
But if He didn’t come to redeem me – if He didn’t die in my place to save me – no example, not even His will do me the least bit of good. Apart from the vicarious atonement of the cross, His perfect example stands to condemn my sin.
Thankfully, Christ’s example is found in His saving work. Jesus did come, specifically, to “save His people from their sins.” (Mt. 1:21) And, He came to do it by giving “His life a ransom for many.” (Mk. 10:45)
The reason that “many Christians believe” Jesus came to save by His sacrifice on the cross is that the Lord, Himself said so, repeatedly. That, in fact, is the message of scripture running from Genesis 3:15 throughout the whole Bible. That was the purpose foretold by the prophets. It was the purpose announced by the angels at His birth. It was the Father’s business that He was about from His youth. And, it was His announced purpose during His earthly ministry.
I am as grateful today, as the first day I was saved, for the redeeming work of Christ. I’m especially thankful, that though I grew up under the kind of ministry that eclipsed the character of God and the cross of Christ, God graciously made me one of His own.
And, as we approach another Easter, I’m reminded yet again that there are thousands on the Island that are, for all intents and purposes, without the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Sadly, many of them are obviously sitting under pulpits saying “Jesus came to save us! I do not believe so.”
It’s a reminder of the need to boldly declare Jesus has died and risen again for our sins according to the Scriptures.
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