Jesus’ death on the cross was an act of redeeming love. To understand this better, let’s first look at the definition of redeem.
redeem (Merriam-Webster):
1) to buy back (repurchase), to get or win back,
2) to release from blame or debt (clear)
3) restore
4) to remove the obligation of by payment – to make good (fulfill)
5) to atone for
Jesus said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17, NIV). Dying on the cross was part of the fulfilling of the Law for us.
“This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all” (1 John 1:5, NLT). Since God is pure light, we need to be pure to be in His presence. Before Jesus died on the cross animals were sacrificed to atone for people’s sins so they could be in relationship with God. “The priests then slaughtered the goats and presented their blood on the altar for a sin offering to atone for all Israel” (2 Chronicles 29:24, NIV).
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us… we have now been justified by his blood… we were reconciled to [God the Father] through the death of his Son” (Romans 5:8-10).
The parable of the prodigal son is a great story that captures the essence of God’s love for us and His desire to be in relationship with us. No matter how far we’ve roamed away from Him, no sin is too great that His love cannot cover. He welcomes us with open arms to return to Him. It is His greatest desire that we are in relationship with Him.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” 2 Peter 3:9, NIV).
Jesus’ death on the cross paid our debt, restored us to God, atoned for our sins. Why? Because His love for you is that great!
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
Are you ready to be in right relationship with God but don’t know what to do next? The first step is repentance. You can repent and turn to God through Jesus in your own words or use this prayer written by Billy Graham:
Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.