It Is Finished.

I'm currently sitting in Starbucks getting my mind absolutely blown that the God of the universe loves me so much that 2000 years ago He sent His son, Jesus, to live the PERFECT, SINLESS, HOLY, RIGHTEOUS, and ABUNDANT life the world has ever seen. Not only did Jesus walk as a human daily, in skin exactly like ours; Not only did Jesus perform miracles, signs, and wonders; Not only did Jesus sit down with sinners and wash their feet. Jesus didn't stop there, because that was not His purpose. Jesus' purpose wasn't to come and live a "good" life on earth.
Jesus' purpose was to conquer sin by the shedding of His innocent and sinless blood upon the cross!
There has never been a greater sacrifice than this, and there never will be a greater sacrifice than this. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. What an amazing picture of what we're called to as followers of Jesus! We're not called to riches, constant gifts, and a "good" life. Following Christ is characterized by love, sacrifice, obedience, making disciples, and service to others.
Jesus lived out this sacrifice for us. His sacrifice was completely sufficient, completely obedient, and completely voluntary.
That, my brothers and sisters, is the definition of love. Love was determined by God and for God 2000 years ago!
As Jesus Christ breathed His last breath here on earth, he muttered the 3 most profound worlds in all of human history.

"IT. IS. FINISHED." -John 19:30

Our sin no longer has victory over us because of the blood of the lamb. It no longer keeps us in chains, because Jesus bore our chains to break our chains. He set us free! Not only did He pay for the sins we have committed in the past, He paid for future sin. HE paid for ALL sin.

I encourage you to spend some time today reading through the accounts of the crucifixion in the gospels. Notice the incredible pain, suffering, mockery, and torment that Jesus took upon Himself. And lastly, know that He did this for YOU! He did this because He loves you! 

In Thankfulness and Love,

Jack