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| 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
