In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace[.]...for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Ephesians 1:7 and Matthew 26:28

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace[.]...for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7, Matthew 26:28

As I continue my preparation to lead worship at the Gardens and The Lodge on Sunday 30MAR (pausing on my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume), I march forward in my use of DesiringGod.com's 40-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die.  Today I read reason #9: For the Forgiveness of Our Sins.  The devotion explores how Christ's sacrifice addressed two problems with sin: 

1. The cycle of sin, shame, and death (Romans 6:23) for sinners had to be broken and the Old Testament sacrificial system could not do what had to be done. As such, Christ shed his blood (once and for all) to forgive believers of sin - all one must do is repent, believe in and follow Christ in a life of obedience to Him (Romans 10:10).  Other than faith and trust in God, no other consideration must be made to God.  The debt we have with Him is settled.  The devotion shares how this provides grace - we get a gift we don't deserve (grace) and we don't get the gift we do deserve (death). See also Acts 10:43, Isaiah 43:25, and Psalm 103:12.
2. The devotion describes all sin as serious - no degree of sin is unserious.  As such while all of humanity is offered grace, a price had to be paid. The devotion shares: "all sin is serious, because it is against God (see chapter 1). He is the one whose glory is injured when we ignore or disobey or blaspheme him. His justice will no more allow him simply to set us free than a human judge can cancel all the debts that criminals owe to society. The injury done to God’s glory by our sin must be repaired so that in justice his glory shines more brightly....That is why Christ suffered and died."

Rejoice in the gift of grace available for you, repent and believe!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God You are an incredible God that died an excruciating death so that I could have forgiveness of sin.  You willingly did what had to be done for not just my salvation but for all of humanity.  You freely offer to those who believe forgiveness of sins and eternal life - what a gift of grace!  Thank You Father God.  I am not deserving of such as gift.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.