How do you begin comprehending what Jesus’ work on the cross, burial, and resurrection did for humanity? You must understand the severity of sin. To begin to understand the severity of sin, you look to God the Father and all He did to make a way for us to come back into fellowship with Him.

We were created in the image of God and His likeness, for God to be expressed through man on earth physically (Genesis 1:26-27). He did not need us but loves & desires us and wants fellowship with us. Adam showed us that humanity began as innocent but not blameless or righteous. We were not morally good; our morality comes from God and is not inherent. He showed that given the choice, we would desire to be God (thinking we know best) rather than just enjoying fellowship with Him and trusting Him. When Adam sinned, all of humanity inherited his sin (Romans 5:12).

In the eyes of a holy and righteous God, even the smallest of sins (anything contrary to His character) is rebellion and rejection of Him and deserves His wrath & justice (Ephesians 2:3). He can not overlook even the slightest of rebellion against Him, or He could not call Himself just, impartial, or fair. God has made us in His image, which allows us to see and feel, albeit on a small level, when we are wronged, and justice is not served. How does it make you feel? So, how should sin be dealt with?

God establishes the severity when He shows the only payment of reconciliation with Him is through blood […] and death (Romans 6:23). The Law was established to point out when we fail to meet God’s standards of perfection and when judgment is needed. The establishment of sacrifices was a visual reminder that sin is expensive, should not be taken lightly, and has dire consequences if not atoned for. The problem remained: how can we be rescued from our sin?

The Law only pointed out when we missed God’s mark (Romans 3:20) but was powerless to save us ultimately from our sins (Romans 8:3). It was to drive us to see that we needed a Savior! (Romans 3:10, 23; John 14:6)

So how would God ultimately satisfy His wrath for sin and serve justice?

No other human would be able to atone because that human would also need their sin atoned for, so who would be able to atone for their sin?

The only option would be for God to provide the PERFECT sacrifice, His son. He would have to live a human life and undergo all the temptations humans face daily. Once the time was right, he would become the perfect human sacrifice for all humanity to satisfy God’s wrath and desire for justice. Without His sacrifice, we could have no hope of reconciling with God (1 John 2:2).

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS SACRIFICE!! HOSANNAH! HOSANNAH IN THE HIGHEST!

Our debt has been settled with God for eternity. We are no longer under condemnation, as we are seen as righteous in the eyes of our Holy God through the blood of our Savior and Advocate, Jesus Christ. As His blood covers and rescues us daily from our sins on earth, Jesus helps us become more and more like Him to prepare us for our Promised Land and shine His light to others of the glorious gift God has given to the whole world (John 3:16).

Please join us as we celebrate our salvation in Jesus Christ and BOLDLY walk in God’s goodness until our triumphant departure with Him!

Submitted by Andrea Kenealy, HD admin _ author contribution from heart dive ministry team

Heart Checks:

How do you think sin should be dealt with?

If we are in true rebellion against another, how can we be rescued from our sin and reconcile that relationship? Can we truly be FULLY forgiven and remove the wrong done?