Crucified for us!

Dr. James Simpson, who made the important discovery of using chloroform to perform painless surgery, was asked what was the most important discovery he ever made. Without hesitation he answered, “My most valuable discovery was when I discovered myself a sinner and that Jesus Christ was my savior.”

In our series of articles on the Nicene Creed we have arrived at the very center of the creed and the core of Dr. Simpson’s discovery. The words in the creed are, “and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.”

The Son of God came to Earth, lived, taught and was crucified for us so that we could receive the full blessings of God’s love. “In this the love of God was shown clearly among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the payment for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-11 Just as the Israelites depended upon the blood of the passover lambs as protection from God’s judgment, so we depend on Jesus to be our passover lamb. That is why, when Jesus came to the Jordan where John was baptizing, John said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Jesus the Christ came to serve us by giving his blood for our sin. “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight” Ephesians 1:7,8.

The 12 apostles were eyewitnesses of all Jesus did for us. John gave eyewitness testimony in his first letter writing, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life — the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us — that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

I recall vividly my thoughts on my wedding day as my new wife and I walked down the aisle as man and wife. It struck me in that moment that as long as we both lived my prime responsibility in life was to take care of the woman walking beside me. In that moment I was not thinking of the wonderful love and care she would provide for me. I thought only of my responsibility for her.

Coming to Jesus for salvation is much like that moment. It is the greatest decision any person can or will ever make. It requires a willingness to give yourself totally into God’s service. In return you will receive the wondrous blessings only God can give. For 53 years I walked with my wife and received the blessings she brought. For eternity I will walk with God. You can walk with Him if you choose to do so. We are each offered salvation from the penalty due for our sin. We are called one by one to make the greatest and most costly decision any person can make. We are called to accept Christ as savior and to give ourselves totally to his service. Have you responded to God’s offer? Are you walking with Jesus?

Always remember:

Only one life ‘twill soon be past

Only what’s done for Christ will last.