Forgiven for a Purpose! — Good Friday Encouragement – April 10, 2020

Greetings Friend,

       You know that Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross was about “wiping out” our sin (Isaiah 43:25); “taking away” our sin (John 1:29); “atoning” for our sin (1John 2:2). Because of His sacrifice, which we consider and remember today, we are “justified” (Romans 5:9), “sanctified” (Hebrews 10:10), “redeemed” (Ephesians 1:7), even “perfected” (Hebrews 10:14) – totally “forgiven” (Colossians 2:13-14). So what? If it stops there, it was all for nothing – a total waste!!

       Did you know that in the Temple, God dwelt in the Holy Place, separated from the people by a big thick veil? Now, get this: From the Cross, “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split” (Matthew 27:50-51). That torn veil is for us; there’s nothing separating us from God any longer!!

       “Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,” (Hebrews 10:19-20). We were forgiven so that we could live our lives in the Holy Place with God; our always Good, Loving Heavenly Father.

       So, here’s the Good Friday Encouragement: Let’s not waste the blood of Jesus. Let’s boldly enter the Heavenly Holy Place and Live our lives with our Father God from there. Let’s not settle for the unfulfilling deceptions of this world and instead insist on the Life-giving promises of God and His Kingdom which are for us now. That’s what we were forgiven for!

God bless,

Dave