What did Jesus say that HE came to do? What did Jesus command us to do?
In earlier posts in this series, we have examined many of the Words of Jesus; what HE said about himself and who HE was. We know that HE claimed to be GOD in the flesh, and that HE claimed to be the Messiah - the Savior of all mankind. Jesus also clearly told us that we - all human beings - are sinful at heart and are under GOD’s judgment. Yet HE also promised us, “He that believeth on [me] is not condemned“ [31]. But how can we be under GOD’s judgment, and at the same time not condemned? How can both be true? How can it be that we do not get what we deserve?
The question which each of us must ask is: IF GOD IS GOOD, HOW CAN HE FORGIVE US?
In earlier posts in this series, we have examined many of the Words of Jesus; what HE said about himself and who HE was. We know that HE claimed to be GOD in the flesh, and that HE claimed to be the Messiah - the Savior of all mankind. Jesus also clearly told us that we - all human beings - are sinful at heart and are under GOD’s judgment. Yet HE also promised us, “He that believeth on [me] is not condemned“ [31]. But how can we be under GOD’s judgment, and at the same time not condemned? How can both be true? How can it be that we do not get what we deserve?
The question which each of us must ask is: IF GOD IS GOOD, HOW CAN HE FORGIVE US?
The Bible says that GOD is a perfect judge, and HE hates bribes, corruption, and any miscarriage of justice. [32] Therefore, to be just, HE must sentence us to the penalty which HIS law requires. HE must condemn us. How can GOD fully judge and punish sin, and at the same time not condemn us? The answer is the cross of Jesus Christ.
Jesus had to die on that cross because death - under the wrath of GOD - is the penalty for sin. [33] To die in our place under GOD’s wrath, is exactly what Jesus said that HE came to do.
Jesus said,
- “the Son of man came to give his life a ransom for many” ~ Matthew 20:28
- “I lay down my life ... no man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself” ~ John 10:17-18a
- “this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” ~ Matthew 26:28
We know that Jesus called himself the good shepherd who gives HIS life for the sheep. But when HE said that HE would “give HIS life as a ransom”, HE revealed the specific reason why this sacrifice would be required. A ransom is a payment made to free someone from captivity and punishment. In our state of sinfulness we are actually in captivity, in bondage. [34] We are not able to change our own nature (which is in rebellion against GOD) and so we are not able to free ourselves from this condition. We need to be rescued, to be delivered from this state. That is why the “Son of man came to give his life as a ransom for many” - not just a few, or some, but many - ALL WHO BELIEVE IN HIM. [35]
But what is the payment required to complete this sacrifice? What value can we put on our life or our eternal soul. And more importantly, what is the value of the debt that we owe? What payment does GOD’s justice require? Justice always requires equity, which means the punishment must match the magnitude of the offence. We can only understand the magnitude of our sin if we know whom we have sinned against. Our sin is against the infinite and holy GOD. HE says plainly, “I the LORD your God am holy”. The Bible tells us that GOD, who “made the world and all things in it...is lord of heaven and earth” and HE is so pure that HIS eyes will not look on evil”! [36] Therefore, because GOD is infinitely worthy, our sin against HIM requires an infinite payment.
There are only two ways to make an infinite payment: give something of infinite value one time, or give something of limited value for an infinite amount of time. When the Bible speaks about the wrath of GOD against sinners in hell, it is always described as forever and everlasting! [37] Jesus himself said, “[in Hell is] the fire that never shall be quenched”. [38] This is because we are finite, limited, and can never finish paying an infinite debt. If we reject Christ, GOD will require our eternity in hell because of our sin.
BUT, Jesus said, “I lay down MY LIFE”! HE said, “this is MY BLOOD...for the forgiveness of sins”! HE identified the payment that would satisfy GOD’s justice! And HE made the payment when HE died on the cross and said, “it is finished”. [39] Jesus, who is GOD in the flesh, is infinite and holy like the Father - HIS life is a payment that at one time can ransom every sinner who repents and believes in HIM. This is what Jesus came to do.
Now many people ask the question, ‘if Jesus has died for us, then why would GOD still send anyone to hell’? The simple answer is that the payment Jesus made must be applied to our account.
Jesus said,
- “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” ~ Luke 13:3,5 KJV
- “the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” ~ Mark 1:15 KJV
- “enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” ~ Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus warned us that we will face judgment unless we repent; HE said, “except ye repent, ye shall all perish”. Jesus also gave us a direct command to repent and believe when HE said, “the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel”. So we are commanded to repent, and we are warned of judgment if we do not repent. This is the answer to the question, and the reason why GOD will send many to hell. Truly, Jesus has made the payment that satisfies GOD’s wrath! BUT without repentance and faith this payment does not apply to us. Only those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ will be forgiven. Every one of us, individually, must repent and put our faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins.
Jesus set this choice before us using a parable of two gates; one wide and another narrow. [40] The first gate is described as ‘wide’ because ‘anything goes’ through it; we are not required to believe anything in particular, nor are we required to live by any particular law. Many people go through this gate; it is the common choice but it leads to destruction. The second gate is described as ‘narrow’ because there is only one way to pass through it; we are required to approach by one Name, and abandon all other means of entry. Only those who confess that Jesus Christ is Lord will be admitted at this gate. This gate leads to a life of obedience to GOD and turning from sin. This gate leads to eternal life! Jesus made it clear again that the judgment remains for those who do not repent and believe in HIM. HE said, “...ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I AM HE, ye shall die in your sins”. [41]
Sadly, there will be many who reject Christ and die in their sins. But why? Who would choose condemnation under GOD’s wrath when forgiveness is offered freely. Tragically, the reason we refuse to come to Christ is because we do not want to submit our lives to HIM and obey HIS commands. We wish to enjoy this life and spend it according to our pleasure; we desire to ‘save’ our earthly life for ourselves. Jesus addressed this directly when HE said, “whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” [42] Jesus cuts directly to the heart of the matter when HE says it is about your soul. It is a horrific outcome to have success and enjoyment in this life but lose your soul to eternity in hell. Nothing is worth losing your soul!
Jesus made us the promise that if we surrender our earthly life to HIM, HE will save our eternal soul! HE commanded us to come to HIM (enter by the narrow gate), and to obey HIM (walk on the narrow way). Jesus commanded us to repent of our sins and to believe in HIM. This is what Jesus commanded us to do.
Jesus told us of our sinfulness, and that we deserve GOD’s judgment - BUT HE did not stop there. HE did not leave us in a place of hopelessness! Instead HE provided the solution to reconcile us to GOD. HE gave himself - HIS life for a ransom. The way has been opened to eternal life because Christ has made the payment. We need only to receive it! As the Bible says, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved”. [43] How will you respond to the command and promise of Jesus? Will you reject HIM just to enjoy this world? Will you come to HIM in repentance and faith?
“whoever comes to me I will never cast out”
[32] Deuteronomy 10:17, 16:19, 27:25; Proverbs 17:23; Job 8:3, 34:12
[33] Romans 6:23
[34] Romans 8:7-8; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:1-3; 2 Timothy 2:26
[35] Mark 16:16; Acts 10:43, 16:31; Romans 10:9
[36] Leviticus 19:2, Acts 17:24, Habakkuk 1:13
[37] Mark 3:29; Luke 16:23-26; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; Hebrews 6:2; Jude 1:7; Revelation 14:10-11
[38] Mark 9:45
[39] John 19:28-30
[40] Matthew 7:13-14
[41] John 8:24
[42] Matthew 16:25-26
[43] Acts 16:31