The central theme of Christianity is salvation and without the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross there would be no salvation for anyone. Isaiah 53:4 says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.” Jesus Christ was beaten, pierced with nails, shamed, scorned, covered in blood, suffered on the cross, and was raised up on the third day so that all of humanity can be saved from our sin. The ultimate price was paid in blood so that we can be saved.

Romans 3:23 says “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Our sin separates us from God and the only way back to Him is through Jesus Christ. God showed us how much He loves us by sacrificing His only Son Jesus Christ on the cross so that we can attain salvation and be reunited with him one day. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” If not for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and his resurrection we would have all died in our sins. It is only by the grace and mercy of God that we were even given a chance at eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Christ died on the cross for our sins some 2000 plus years ago, yet there are many who do not accept the sacrifice of Christ and his resurrection and reject their own salvation. Salvation is given to us freely as a gift but to receive it you have to accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” The sacrifice of Christ on the cross does not mean anything to those who reject him. Those who accept the truth of his death on the cross and his resurrection are saved from their sins. Romans 4:25 says, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification”. He died on the cross so that we can be absolved of our sins and become righteous in the eyes of God. As we commemorate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Good Friday let us remember that by his wounds we are healed so that we can be justified with God for all eternity and not be separated from Him.