Christ’s Sacrifice — Once and FOR ALL

As we draw closer to Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday, let us fix our eyes daily on Christ Jesus.

I’m so grateful to GOD and to my parents for raising my sister and me in a Christian home. I had the joy of receiving Christ into my life as Savior at a young age. During those formative years, I recall receiving communion at our Assembly of God Church in Sheldon, Iowa. We sang somber hymns and reflected on Jesus’ suffering and all He endured — the perfect sacrifice for imperfect mankind.

The sacraments of Communion (Luke 22: 17-22, 1 Corinthians 11:22-32) were grape juice (substituted for wine) to represent Jesus’ blood poured out & broken bread representing His body beaten and broken.

My childlike thinking was tossed with diverse emotions. Should I sense sadness or gladness? I possessed a minor understanding of the abuse and torture Jesus suffered for us. I also realized He would die on Calvary’s cross, but rise up to defy death and the grave in victory.

His victory triumphs over evil, hatred, past failures, poverty, sin, shame, guilt, condemnation, sickness, disease, the demonic, division, death. Christ truly reigns as our Redeemer who redeems, Savior who saves, Healer who heals, mends & restores.

As a child, I looked up to my mother’s face with confusion. Why was she so sad when she received communion? She reached into her purse for a handkerchief to dry her tears. Jesus is alive! I could not comprehend the holy moment she encountered with God’s Spirit. She was deeply moved as she absorbed His love for her. Jesus loved her, and He loves you- ALL of us. He obediently endured hell’s gauntlet ONCE FOR ALL!

Hebrews 9:12, 14 & 10:10

Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption…how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?.. we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

No, I didn’t comprehend what she must have been experiencing. I simply knew that Sunday was coming. That meant Christ’s Resurrection, so I didn’t have to cry, even though mom did at that church service.

I already understood that Jesus rose from the grave. He’s alive and victorious- Lifted up into Heaven, seated at the Heavenly Father’s right hand. He has prepared an eternal place for all who put their faith in Him, follow Him daily, trust and obey His teachings. He promises He is coming back to take with Him people who choose to trust, obey and believe in HIM!

What do you believe today? In a generation that seemingly is spinning out of control & fears GOD less, what do you believe? Who do you trust? Are you prepared to meet your Maker, Creator, the God of our Universe?

Call on the name of Jesus today. Place your faith in Him and the Truth of the Bible. Repent by turning away from evil desires and sins. The LORD will help you start fresh, forgive your sins, and come to live inside of your life. He will lead, guide and direct you by His Holy Spirit. Please call on Him today through prayer!

“Lord Jesus, I welcome You into my life. I believe in you. I believe that You died for me; that Your blood pays for my sins. You provide me with the gift of eternal life. By faith in God I receive Your gift and declare You as my Lord & Savior. Thank YOU Lord, Amen!”

Now live all of your days to bring glory to GOD & represent Him with love, truth and courage! Share and shine His light everywhere.

Lord bless you abundantly as you celebrate Christ’s resurrection.