Easter

It's the week of Easter, Holy Week, if you will. I find myself introspective and contemplative. I was studying the 53rd chapter of Isaiah last week and was absolutely amazed that Isaiah accurately predicted the first Holy Week over 700 years before it happened with incredibly specific details. And yet, the Jews, who had Isaiah's prophesies, still didn't believe.

Isaiah vividly described Jesus as one who "was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief". He was "like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers." The verses that get to me the most are 5 and 6."But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray,, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him."

This is the heart of the gospel. Christ was my substitute; He took my place; He stood in my stead. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God Himself." Christ justified me by becoming sin for me. I have the righteousness of God Himself because of what Christ did at Calvary. I deserve the wrath of a holy God because I am a depraved, sinful being. The wages of my sin is death.

However, Romans 8:1 tells me, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Isaiah 1:18 says, Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow."

I am overwhelmed.

It is the week of Easter. I am a chosen child of God. I have been justified by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. I am being sanctified daily through the work of the Holy Spirit. I will be glorified when I see my Lord and my Savior face to face. Amen and amen!