What did Jesus finish?

With his last breath Jesus uttered a final word, translated into English, "It is finished!"

The eternal Son of God, who fully embraced humanity by becoming a man, accomplished what no human being could. We likely can't fully grasp the magnitude of the horrific event that occurred on the cross. Some have attempted to describe the physical aspects of crucifixion, and it was vividly portrayed in the film "The Passion of the Christ." It certainly must have been terribly gruesome and excruciating. However, what we may gloss over is the emotional and psychological aspects of what happened to Jesus as he was consumed by sin that was not his own. He took upon himself wickedness that was gravely offensive to God the Father. The combination of all of this torture and trauma was exactly what the Lord would have avoided if God would have provided a different path. 

But the cross was the path.

With that final declaration Jesus completed an enormous task fueled by God's love for mankind.

Salvation. 

Atonement. 

Forgiveness. 

Eternal life. 

The way into God's presence. 

The power and effect of this event stands as the single most significant act in all of human history. And it served to provide the solution to the deepest longing in every human heart - connection to God himself in the most meaningful way. When we embrace Jesus' finished work on our behalf we come home in the truest sense. We gain everything that was lost in the Garden of Eden because of Adam's failure to trust God completely.

As we approach "Good Friday" perhaps it will be helpful to slow down and consider exactly what was "finished" and why it matters.

The Heart of Repentance

Although I'm pretty sure no one is listening (or reading ), I'm going to say this out loud, I struggle with sin.  This statement wouldn't come as a shock to those closest to me, because sadly they see it.  What I'm saying is that although God reached into my life 18 years ago and gave me a new heart, there is still some work to do.  And thankfully God is doing that work, day by day.

Not surprisingly, God uses His word to do much of this work.  In addition, He uses others...even those who have been dead many years.  That was the case today. Let me explain.

I have a copy of Charles Spurgeon's daily devotional, Morning & Evening.  I don't read it every day.  Frankly, I don't even read it weekly. But today, I picked it up and read this morning's entry.  The scripture text was Joel 2:13, "Rend your heart and not your garments."  I nearly fell off the sofa.  This is exactly what I needed to hear.  I needed to be reminded about biblical repentance.  Here are Spurgeon's words that really drove the message home for me:

"The text commands us to rend our hearts, but they are naturally hard as marble: how, then, can this be done? We must take them to Calvary: a dying Saviour's voice rent the rocks once, and it is as powerful now. O blessed Spirit, let us hear the death-cries of Jesus, and our hearts shall be rent even as men rend their vestures in the day of lamentation."

So in my mind's eye, I looked to the cross and there was my Savior!

The prophet Joel explains why we can have confidence that our repentance will be accepted by God. Because He is "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness." What a blessing!

So, it is not in the outward anguish or religious act of kneeling at "an old fashion alter" that signifies our turning away from sin. But rather the heart-level, Spirit induced, honest assertion that our sin is an offense to God's holiness. That we despise this offense and desire, more than anything, to abandon it.

I am thankful for how gracious God is to His children.  He is still doing a work in me.  I'm thankful too for Mr. Spurgeon who, just this morning, pointed me to the heart of repentance.

Quotable Spurgeon

I realize that we do not worship preachers. However, God has clearly gifted some men in a special way. That giftedness, when used to articulate biblical truth, leads us to praise God. Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) is one such preacher. He had such a unique way of conveying the message of Scripture. Perhaps his preaching style and ability was simply a product of Victorian England. I think more than that, his clarity, power and wisdom were products of hours in the presence of God and rigorous study in the Word.

Here is an example of one brief yet compelling statement:

"In the red sea of His own blood, our Redeemer has drowned the Pharaoh of our sins."

Amen Preacher, Amen!

Good Friday Thoughts from Toplady

The following is taken from "Faith Reviving" written by Augustus Toplady (1740-1778). It seems this may be a reordering of the verses. I have seen it in a few different orders. However, the truth that shines forth is quite clear. A great meditation on the work of Christ for lowly sinners!

Payment God cannot twice demand,
First at my bleeding Surety's hand
And then again at mine.

Complete atonement Thou has made,
And to the utmost farthing paid
What e'er Thy people owed

How then can wrath on me take place
If sheltered in Thy righteousness
And sprinkled with Thy blood?

Turn then my soul unto thy rest,
The merits of thy Great High Priest
Speak peace and liberty.

Trust in His efficacious blood,
Nor fear they banishment from God
Since Jesus died for thee.

I Almost Forgot

I almost forgot that I had a blog. That's what a busy life in the ministry gets you. I have read plenty of other blogs, but I have completely ignored my own. Not sure that's likely to change anytime soon. But I will try to post more in the weeks ahead.

Although I have neglected my blog, I have spent time in recent weeks focusing on Christ, the Cross and the Gospel. Here's an intriguing quotation from Pierced for Our Transgressions:

"The Lord Jesus Christ did not come into the world to meet with his friends. He came to die for his enemies."

That is worth remembering.

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"But why is it Good?"

Early in the week while some adults were discussing 'grown up things' my youngest daughter interjected a question. This is a common occurrence in our home, she is never at a loss for words and is very inquisitive. We were discussing Easter week and someone mentioned "Good" Friday. My little one, with a puzzled look asked, "But why is it good?"

What a great question. It strikes at the heart of the matter I think. All she knows is that the word 'good' usually describes something that is pleasant or enjoyable. Why would we refer to a day of the week, near Easter, as 'Good?' So, I took about 5 seconds and told her that Good Friday was the day that Jesus died to pay for our sins, and that is why it is good. (A half-hearted attempt at parenting in hindsight. So much for shepherding the flock huh? I plan to revisit the question this weekend.)

While what I told her is true, in my estimation, I pondered my response later. Actually, I was curious as to why we call it Good Friday. I found very few sources that relayed anything solid. The best I could determine is that the word 'Good' is a very old word that perhaps used to mean something else. Centuries ago it may have been called 'God's Friday' or something similar.

Given that this is the week of Easter I have been thinking much about the cross and the empty tomb. And simply put, I stand amazed. Mainly because when I realize that Jesus Christ died in my place, that He died to pay my sin debt, that on the cross He bore my punishment, I am completely blown away. In the process, the Son of God was even estranged and abandoned by His Heavenly Father. Leading up to the event of the cross Jesus himself asked if this horrific event could be avoided. He was whipped and beaten to death. All of this was not only for me. My mountain of sin alone is shocking. Think about your sin and all the multitudes of believers for whom Christ died.

His work, on my behalf, brought about the single greatest 'good' ever in my life. I was in such a pit of sin when my Redeemer came and rescued me. I was completely undeserving, running away from God. My load of sin was exchanged for His perfect Righteousness.

What GRACE! What a Savior! I would certainly call that 'Good.'
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The Alphabet and Salvation

Maybe you have heard someone say the way to salvation is very simple. Some say that salvation is as easy as A-B-C. In fact, someone developed a model that is primarily geared toward children using the ABC format: Admit, Believe, Confess.

A - admit to God you are a sinner, repent or turn from your sin

B - believe that Jesus is God's son and that he died for your sins and rose again

C - confess Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, place your faith in what Jesus has done for sinners on the cross

During our Bible study last night (which was really not about the ABC's) someone brought up an interesting point. They surmised that it would be helpful to add another letter to this model, the letter "D." Which stands to reason since it is the next letter in the alphabet. This person suggested that "D" should be used to explain that those who are saved will "Demonstrate" their salvation by a transformed life and a conformity to Christ. I think this is helpful and very insightful.

I also think that a watered down ABC presentation can be misleading and insufficient. We must be careful not to rush toward a "simple" method or model and leave out vital truth about God and the gospel. God is holy and our sin is offensive to him. We do 'admit' to God that we are sinners, but repentance must not be left out of the equation. A full understanding and explanation of the Cross of Christ should also be part of our evangelism. Additionally, those who come to faith in Christ ought to live a life that "Demonstrates" this spiritual transformation. Finally, salvation is not achieved by anything that we do.

At the end of the day, the Salvation of a dead sinner is the work of the Holy Spirit of God. As Christians, we may be a witness to this salvation and may even be used by God to share his precious gospel that in turn may lead someone to faith in Christ. This is part of our Great Commission. Oh that we would be faithful to the task - to the Glory of God.

Glory of the Cross

All those who are trusting and following the Lord Jesus have come to see the glory of the cross. Painful as it was, there is beauty at the cross. Heart breaking as it was, there is joy at the cross. The perfect Son of God died for sinners. That still amazes me. I will boast only in the cross of Christ.

Getty and Townend have said it well in the final verse of "The Power of the Cross"

Oh, to see my name, Written in the wounds,

For through Your suffering I am free.

Death is crushed to death; Life is mine to live,

Won through Your selfless love.

Dealing with Sin

Over the weekend we made a trip to the video store. An depressing endeavor when you realize what trash passes for entertainment these days. I was so pleased to see The Last Sin Eater. I had heard about the film and was anxious to watch it. I was not disappointed.

The film is based on a novel by Francine Rivers. The story is set in early 19th century Appalachia. The plot focuses on a group of Welsh immigrants. Theirs is a close knit community with deep Celtic roots.

When this group came to America they brought with them a number of traditions, one of which was the ritual of the Sin Eater. The community designated one individual that would take on the sins of folks when they died. This was done symbolically during the funeral by eating bread and wine placed on the body. The idea was that upon the removal of sins the individual who had died is then able to rest in peace. The Sin Eater however is banished from the community, only to return when summoned by "the passing bell."

In the story a travelling evangelist comes to the area to spread the "truth." He encounters a young girl who is very troubled over her sins. Her younger sister had died and she felt responsible. She explains that she must find the Sin Eater because she can not wait until she is dead, that would be too long to bear the guilt of her past. The preacher shares with her that God has long ago sent One who could take her sin away. She asks if this Sin Eater has a name, she is told his name is Jesus.

The film is fairly well done and the scenery is beautiful. If you are looking for high quality, big budget special effects you will not find them here. But, for me that is not a huge concern. There are some interesting plot twists that cast a bright light on the human condition. More importantly, the message of God's grace in Christ shines through brilliantly. Not surprising that his film didn't do well in the theaters and was a bomb with most secular movie critics. But, it is well worth renting. I would especially encourage pastors to consider showing it for their congregation or in a small group setting.

There are a few scenes that might be unsettling for younger children. The film is rated PG-13. Make plans to rent this film. It will be a blessing. You will find an interview with the screen writer/director, Michael Landon Jr. here.

Quotable Mahaney

"In the last week, what was your primary preoccupation in life? What was your spiritual focus? Was it on the spot where God most reveals His personal love for you - the cross? Or was it on your own circumstances, your own condition, your own concerns? Was your preoccupation with your personal pursuit of godliness? Growth in godliness must be pursued, but never apart from joyful gratitude for the cross." C. J. Mahaney, Living the Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing, pg. 106

This series of questions is quite thought provoking. You may notice just to the left a Bible verse (Galatians 2:20) that speaks to this topic of meditating on the cross. Mahaney does a great job of challenging the reader to examine his/her walk with Christ. I commend this book to you.