2 Cor 5:21  For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Reflecting this Easter Sunday on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I am reminded that it was my sin that nailed Jesus to the cross.  When  Pilate asked the crowd, "what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?" it was I who shouted, "Crucify Him."  It was my hands that pushed the crown of thorns into His skull, yet Jesus chose this death.  He was innocent, but not a victim.  He gave His life freely, and died a tortuous crucifixion, out of love - for me.   He was the perfect, unblemished, Passover lamb, sacrificed for the sins of mankind.  Fulfilling the law, He conquered death, and whispered for all time, "It is finished." 

Easter reminds us that the grave couldn't contain Him, for he was not just a "good person", a "wise teacher", a "philosopher for all ages."   He was God, and He was resurrected to life, for all to see.  He is Risen, and He Lives.

He died for all, a gift of eternal life, but it must be received.  Its there for the giving, but we must take it.  We have to take that step of faith, into the ark of salvation, into the promised land.   Jesus doesn't ask perfection from us, only that we have faith in Him, believing that He died and was resurrected, recognizing that it is our sin that He died for, and hating that sin so much that we want to rid it from our lives and only live for Him.  Upon asking Him to become our personal Lord and saviour, He forgives our sins, and makes His dwelling within us.  As we develop this relationship with God we experience the fruit of the Holy Spirit living in us, loving our enemies, experiencing the peace that surpasses all understanding, even in the midst of trials and persecution, and welling with unspeakable joy at just the thought of our Saviour's love on calvary.

Amazing Grace ... how sweet the sound...