By Rick Combs
As we approach Easter this Sunday, my mind gravitates to the importance of Jesus’ death on the cross and His Resurrection. Ancient Roman and Jewish sources tell us that Jesus probably died on Passover, Nisan 14 at 3pm, March 24. He was buried in a borrowed tomb and then Rose from the dead 3 days and 3 nights later; early Sunday morning Nisan 17, March 27, AD 34.
This coincides with Jesus statement in Matthew 12:40,
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth”.
What’s important here is to recognize that Christ’s death and resurrection is rooted in history. I am not interested in fables and unsubstantiated stories.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes the centrality of the finished work of Christ on the cross.
” But we preach Christ crucified…” 1 Corinthians 2:23.
“For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18.
The Cross is the only way of salvation. We are all born sinners and separated from God. In fact, we are not only sinners, but the Bible tells us that we are ALL enemies of God by nature.
“But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us… For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life”. Romans 5:8 & 10
Oh! What a glorious truth!
So, here’s the takeaway. This coming weekend, we celebrate Our Lord’s crucifixion on Friday, and His Resurrection on Sunday. Christ’s finished work on the cross gives us total forgiveness for our sin, and the resurrection justifies us before God; if we believe this.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 “I declare unto you the gospel… By which also ye are saved… how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” Trust in the Cross of Christ Jesus for your total salvation. Not by works, but by grace alone through faith alone. Ephesians 2:8-9.