"HE Spoke 7 Times from the Cross"

 

     GOD loves us. Rather than leave us in our sin, HE sent HIS own SON, JESUS, to pay the penalty our sin demanded. Although JESUS lived a sinless life, HE died in our place. Before HE died, HE spoke 7 times from the cross. These are HIS WORD's.

"FATHER, forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

     The first words from the cross are not about the pain or the injustice. They are a prayer for those who have just crucified the very SON of GOD.

"Verily, I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with ME in paradise." (Luke 23:43)

     JESUS came to seek and save those who were lost. Now, at HIS hour of death HE offers eternal salvation to the repentant thief hanging next to HIM. The offer still stands for all who repent (turn to GOD from their sin) and believe.

"Woman, behold thy SON. . .behold thy Mother !" (John 19:26b, 27a)

     JESUS cares about those who love HIM. When HE saw HIS Mother weeping at the foot of the cross, HE made provision for her. HE instructed John to take care of her. JESUS knows and cares about our needs.

"MY GOD, MY GOD, why hast THOU forsaken ME ?" (Matthew 27:46)

     Separation from GOD is Hell. There was no greater agony for JESUS than to be separated from GOD. Yet HE willingly endured this suffering on our behalf. Those who refuse to repent (turn to GOD from their sin) and believe still face the agony of eternal separation from GOD. Repent and believe while there is still time !

"I thirst." (John 19:28)

     JESUS, though divine, assumed our human nature at HIS birth in order that the penalty due the human race would be borne by a human WHO never sinned. The agony of JESUS' thirst demonstrates the reality of HIS physical suffering on our behalf. That the SON of GOD should become man is a mystery. That our sin and guilt can be laid on HIM is a mystery. But we believe and are saved !

"It is finished." (John 19:30)

     The just anger of GOD against the sin of all mankind lay upon JESUS throughout HIS life, but especially at HIS crucifixion. Now the penalty was paid. The salvation of mankind was complete. Because of JESUS, we who believe, are reconciled to GOD and are members of GOD's family now and for eternity.

"FATHER, into THY hands I commend MY SPIRIT." (Luke 23:46)

     The wages of sin is death. JESUS paid that price for all. After three days, GOD raised HIM from the grave and after appearing to many of HIS believers, JESUS went to Heaven. The salvation won for us by the sacrifice of JESUS was for all mankind, but can only be had by repentance and faith in CHRIST alone.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie