In a world where the word “love” has lost its meaning, today’s scripture is a fresh breath of air that brings life into every soul. Love has become like a commodity that people think they can “buy/sell” on their terms and conditions; and people are dying all around us because of the lack of True love. In contrast, we see an unconditional, committed, everlasting love that was displayed when God sent His One and Only Son into the world. Paul says, “people could sacrifice their lives for someone good,”(Vs.7) but Jesus demonstrated His love toward all of us when we were His enemies (Vs.8,10) unworthy and wretched sinners.

What benefits has Christ’s death brought us if we are to put our faith in Him?

Justification: means being in right standing with God. Very often we try it in our own strength to be found right in God’s eyes, and we fail miserably! Isaiah 64:6 tells us about our predicament quite clearly: “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” It’s in such a situation that the love of God delivered us. Jesus by His death on Calvary, made the restitution by His perfect act. Today as we put our faith in His work, we stand Justified before God, accepted in Christ Jesus!

Peace with God: Prophet Isaiah in chapter 9:6 calls the Messiah to be born “The Prince of Peace.” When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, one of the negative emotions they experienced was fear. Fear is a by-product of sin and the devil holds this over our lives separating us from the Prince of Peace.   When Jesus died on the cross He took our punishment on to Himself and He brought us peace: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him…” (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus saved us from the punishment of sin, bringing peace between God and us (Eph.2:14) and filling our lives with His Grace, Peace, Hope and Love.  
Reconciliation: One of the most loved parables that Jesus told us is the Parable of the Lost son, a story of reconciliation. Having walked away from everything good, the son could never ever have imagined that he could be reinstated as heir when he returned. Isaiah 53:6 says, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way….” but all that we experienced in our independence is brokenness and strife! Nothing we did or do, could ever bring us back home. Jesus, ‘The Only  Way’ opened  a new and living way for us and reconciled us to the Father, restored the broken relationship and reinstated us as children of  God.

Have we experienced these benefits He has showered upon us? If not all, what we need to do is put our faith in His One Marvellous Act!

Thought: “It is a great act of eternal love when Christ once for all absolves the sinner and places him in the family of God.”~ Charles Spurgeon

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LISTEN: Who is there like you