By George H. Alquist Jr.
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ upon a cross was foretold by God in the Old Testament hundreds of years before it happened. The cross was, to the Romans and the Jews of the day, a symbol of death. However, it was this very instrument of torture and death upon which God would sacrifice His only begotten Son for the sins of the world. The Bible says, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:5-6). The New Testament, speaking of Jesus Christ states, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree... " (1 Peter 2:24). "For he (The Father) hath made him (Jesus Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
You see, the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross in our place to die for our sins! We, who deserve to die (Ezekiel 18:4) and spend eternity in hell (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Revelations 20:14) can receive forgiveness of sin and salvation afforded by the payment of Jesus Christ on the cross and receiving Him alone as Saviour by faith. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not that of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9). "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13).
The Bible assures us that Jesus Christ arose from the grave in victory over sin! "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died fr our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (I Corinthians 15:3,4). He took the symbol of torture and death and turned it into a symbol of hope and eternal life! The Lord no longer hangs on a cruel cross, He no longer sleeps in a borrowed tomb, but occupies a Heavenly throne (Colossians 3:1) from which He offers eternal life to all who will come to Him! If the cross should speak it would shout forth the gospel message of salvation, full and free, by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Dear reader, do you not long for the joy and peace of sins forgiven and a home in Heaven? Would you right now, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, stop and ask Christ to be your Saviour? Pray sincerely from your heart a prayer like this, "Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and undeserving of Heaven. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again from the grave. I now trust Him alone to forgive my sins and ask you, Lord Jesus, to be my Saviour. Thank you for loving me and thank you for saving me and help me to live for you." Amen.
If you have prayed and asked Jesus Christ to be your Savior, we would like to congratulate you. Please write to us of your decision and we will send you some literature that will be a help to you in your Christian life. If you live in our area please come and visit us. We would like to meet you.
