An Open Invite

Jesus death on the cross was not a martyr's death -- it was a vicarious death.
Jesus death on the cross was not a human tragedy -- but a divine plan. Before
the foundation of the world, the Lord knew that He would do this -- and
accomplish His will. His death on the cross made the way for sinners to be
reconciled back to God -- and offered the hope of eternal life. He has extended
to us the invitation of salvation, opportunity of forgiveness -- and is
available to every man. The Lord of Hosts has done this. In laying down His life
for the sins of the world, He sprinkled the nations in His blood -- and has
entered the Holy of Holies for us -- and made intercession for those who were
far off -- for those who were transgressors, and separated from God. The veil
that kept us from approaching the Lord has been torn down. Jesus purchased for
us such an awesome gift -- payed for in His own blood -- that we can now come to
Him, and receive forgiveness of sins -- and be saved from His wrath. At the
cross, Jesus took the punishment of the Father for our sins in His own body --
He became sin for us who knew no sin, that we might become the righteousness of
God in Him. The Lord hates sin -- everything that is tainted with iniquity He
cannot look upon. The Lord is also just -- He cannot let crimes go unpunished --
justice must be served. So instead of condemning us, He took on a flesh body
Himself -- prepared and ready -- for the suffering of death -- and took the
punishment we deserved for our sins -- so that we wouldn't have to die! He does
not desire everlasting death for us -- but everlasting life. God's wrath against
sin was appeased at the cross -- and rained down His mercy in His blood. We
had a debt we could not pay -- it was His blood or ours -- and He chose to come
down here to this sick, putrid, dark, filthy state of a world -- be handed over
into the hands of sinners -- and become the ransom of the world. He payed our
debt! There was nothing we could do to earn what Jesus had to die for. We could
save ourselves no more than a drowning man can save himself. He died for every
sin -- from the beginning straight through to the end -- He paid it all. If we
could get to heaven by doing good things -- if there were someway we could
somehow earn our salvation, and buy it ourselves -- Jesus wouldn't have had to
come. Nothing we do would ever be good enough. Isaiah says through the Spirit
that our righteousness is as filthy rags -- used menstrual garments if you want
to get technical. This is what we have to offer Him. This will not do. In order
to fix the problem of sin -- it required a sinless sacrifice. Jesus blood was
the only antidote for sin. His blood is that medicine -- the cure -- that saves
us. Now, there's a problem when one doesn't accept what the Lord has done for
Him. The Lord died for all men, Hebrews 2:9 tells us -- but this does not mean
that all men are automatically saved -- or are exempt from personal
responsibility. Every person who has ever lived or ever will live has a
responsibility to come to the Lord. And the Lord has made coming to Him
incredibly easy to do. He has given us His word -- and He's told us who He is,
why He's come -- what HE did -- and what will happen into the future. He's
revealed to us that He is the Lord -- and Jesus -- God in the flesh -- has come
to save us from wrath. However, those who reject Him can only expect wrath.
Those who are not saved are on the path to judgement. The offer of salvation is
there -- but unless you receive it, and put your faith in Jesus -- and make HIM
Lord of your life -- you only have trouble ahead of you....
The Lord has done what needed to be done. If He went through all of the
shame and beatings and death -- giving up Himself to save the very ones who
hated Him -- there's not much else He won't do for those who believe in and
trust in Him. He is sovereign -- but He is not a tyrant. He has a perfect will
for your life -- but in His permissive will, let's you choose your own path.
Don't miss the opportunity to come to the Lord...every day you live is another
chance He's given you -- every breath even...Behold, to day is the day of
salvation. Tomorrow is not promised to you. Do not refuse the outstretched arm
of the Lord....If your living in disobedience, if your not sure where you stand
with the Lord...That can be remedied the very
moment you confess Him as Lord, and repent of your sins...Jesus asks just one
thing -- Follow Him. Don't miss that awesome opportunity He's given you to be
made right.....