FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK April 9, 2023
An empty tomb outside of Jerusalem seems to solidify our salvation. Jesus died for our sins, and He rose for our justification. He that knew no sin, became sin, that we might become the righteous of God. Hear the prophet Isaiah: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) In 690 B.C., the Lord God revealed to the prophet the idea of Christ dying for our sin, actually bearing the punishment that we deserve. All part of God’s plan of salvation. “For God so love the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). Follow the plan: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” (Romans 3:23-25). The resurrection of Christ is the center of the Christian faith. Because Christ rose from the dead as He promised, we know that what He said is true-He is God! Because there is an empty tomb, we know without a doubt that our sins are forgiven. Because He rose, He lives and represents us to God. Because there is an empty tomb, He defeated death and we too will leave an empty grave.
Hallelujah!
Pastor J. Amos Jpmes
