A few notes from John Ragsdale‘s sermon on Restoration at Grace Church Nashville on 12-06-09. If you want to hear the whole message you can find it here.
“He [Jesus] did not go through what He went through so you and I could just go to heaven.”
The only thing the lamb had to do was have its blood drained out of it. All they had to do was cut the lamb’s throat. That’s all. They didn’t beat the lamb and kick the lamb. And spit on the lamb and put thorns in the lamb. They didn’t rip its wool out.
So why did Jesus go through all of that?!
So you and I could step back into our rightful relationship with the Father. He allowed the anger of the Father to be taken out on Him so that you and I wouldn’t just stand here and say “I’m going to heaven. Hallelujah.” or “I’m not going to hell, thank God.”
No – He did all that so you and I could be restored back to our rightful relationship with God. And then not only that we would be restored but that we would in turn begin to restore everything around us back to the way God made it in the first place.
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“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. … But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:3a,5
Whole passage of Isaiah 53. Really good stuff.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
Today is Good Friday. I’m celebrate what Jesus has done and continues to offer us as a free gift. We don’t do anything to deserve it but He offers us a clean slate and restoration. Thank you Lord!
Posted by mahlbrandt 
myMCMlife.com 