Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Yes, Jesus Loves Me

Spokane, WA  (August 2016)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”John 3:16-18 (ESV)

Sometimes a verse arises from its page, its place in Scripture, and gives me a hug. One that comforts my soul and reminds me, “Yes, Jesus loves me; the Bible tells me so.” And what joy it is to my heart when my loving, heavenly Father condescends to me in such a marvelous way.

John 3:16-18 is one such passage of Scripture for me. God loves me so much, He gave me His Son so that I might be reconciled to Him. Jesus is my Savior, the mediator of my life. A life that was once in utter condemnation but is now completely righteous in Christ. And why? How is that possible? Because by His grace, I believe in Him. I believe His testimony is true and that He is God almighty. I believe there is no god beside Him.

Think of it. What god out there knows our condemnation and yet offers His Son on our behalf—not to condemn us (which we deserve!)—but to save us? He is a just and holy God, and this side of Heaven, instead of judgment, He offers us hope and eternal life in Him. He offers us freedom and release from our sin. Our sin, which we were born into. Our sin, which separates us from the love of God. Our sin, which our Creator responded to by sending us His Son to save us from sin’s eternal consequences. Our sin, which drew the Savior to earth, to die on the cross, so that the condemnation we justly deserved was laid upon His shoulders.

So, I can’t help but believe. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible does indeed tell me so.
_______________________________

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
By: Stuart Christopher Townend

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautifully said. Love the poem. Just one thing I'd like to point out: The ESV (and most modern translations) leave out one very important word out of John 3:16. It is the word "begotten." Jesus is God's only begotten Son. That's an important distinction because scripture says that all believers are God's sons (John 1:12). This is one of the reasons I prefer the KJV. Jesus did not have a human father. God planted His seed in the womb of the virgin Mary, thus Jesus was fully God and fully man. The sin nature is passed through the male line (Adam sinned deliberately while Eve was duped.) Thus Jesus could not have an earthly biological father and be sinless.

Otherwise I really enjoyed the post. Thank you for sharing the hug. May you have many more. God bless.

Cassy Benefield said...

Aleta, thank you so much for your comment. It is a great reminder for us to really understand that Christ is the only begotten of the Father. The "only Son, from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) I, too, think the "begotten" (KJV) word has more impact on this truth. But for me, it may have to do with the fact I'm used to that version. I don't know.

And God bless YOU!

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