Want to upset some people in a split second? Just ask them to tell you why Jesus Christ died on a Roman cross! Of course, this assumes a rather important fact -- that you know beforehand by personal experience as to the reason, and that you haven't fallen for some of the heresy floating around this world as to why Jesus was executed on that cross.
Be aware that some of the heresy has penetrated the ranks of those who claim to be Christian in faith! There are those who say Jesus was just an ordinary human being such as you and I, and not God in human form -- that He set a rather noble example for us to follow and that is about the extent of it -- oh yes, He taught some pretty good principles which we should try to practice, if we should feel inclined to do so! And the main reason He ended up on a Roman cross as a common criminal is that He caused some trouble and if He had been smart, He would have kept His mouth shut and high-tailed it out of town, avoiding all that confrontation stuff!
Let's consult the divinely inspired record as to what it was all about -- just read a few statements which spell it all out:
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. --- 1 Timothy 1:15
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures....--- 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4
For the love of Christ constrains us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. --- 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: "Who committed no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. --- 1 Peter 2:21-25
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins. --- 1 John 4:10
Today is Good Friday -- a very special day for those who are followers of Jesus Christ, as we remember again His sacrifice of Himself on our behalf, give thanks and praise, and renew our commitment to do His will each day so long as He gives us breath to live in this world.
What does it mean to you?
Review How to Become a Christian and give thanks again for God's overwhelming love for each of us.
Have a glorious time this Sunday in celebrating Jesus' victory over sin, death, and Satan and his forces on our behalf!
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