WTKM Devotions: Why Did Jesus Have To Die?

Wednesday:  March 31, 2010

Title:  For the Forgiveness of our Sins

Have you ever had someone not give you forgiveness for something you did against them?  Some people can hold a bitter grudge against us and despite our offering apology and seeking forgiveness offer us only coldness.  For those who have experienced this (and many have), this is a painful, painful experience.

Hi, I’m Pastor Jeff Schimp of Glacier Hills Bible Church here in Hartford, Wisconsin.  This week I am addressing the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?”  Interestingly enough the answer to this question relates to my opening words about people who will not forgive.  You see, the reason Jesus Christ had to die was that He might offer Forgiveness for our sins.  Now that’s a pretty big concept, but let me start with reading a Bible verse which says just that:

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:7

In the word “Forgiveness” we will find the word “give.”  When we forgive someone for a wrong they have done to us we don’t get even.  Instead we “give” away our right to get even or to be angry.  In our world today it seems like the smallest thing done against us is a reason to “sue” somebody.  Forgiveness gives up that right.

That’s what God does when He forgives us.  In Psalm 103:12 God tells us that “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”

But all this raises a problem.  Some things require more than simple forgiveness.  For example take a Judge who simply asked the defendant “Are you sorry?” and then simply said upon his “yes’ answer “go your way”.  Something is wrong with this picture.  Something has been stolen or someone has been hurt or suffered loss.  Something inside of us cries out saying “Where is the Justice in this?” especially if we are the one that was hurt of suffered loss.

Now that is why Jesus had to die!  There was a penalty that had to be paid before forgiveness could be offered for our sins.  It’s like the Judge of the Universe stepped down from the bench and said, “I will pay the penalty” so that you can be forgiven and go free.  This is what Jesus Christ has done for us.  His death was the payment for our sins so that we might be forgiven and go free.

God offers to each of one of us the gift of forgiveness and eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ.  All He requires is that we be willing to accept the gift He offers us by putting our trust in His Son Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins.  Acts 10:43 of the Bible says, “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through His Name.”

You can find out more or contact me through our web page  www.Glacierhillschurch.org While you are there you will also see our invite along with times and location to our Easter Weekend Services at Glacier Hills Bible Church.

Remember, Jesus died so that you and I might have the forgiveness of sins.  May God bless you today!