* A small section of my Palm Sunday sermon. Published here for those who found it helpful.

Jesus did not save people from political opposition, militaristic oppression, or the pain and suffering of everyday life.  Rather, he saved them from sin and death.  Jesus did not save people by way of rebellion, political protest, or taking up arms.  He saved them by giving up his life.  He died that we might live.  

Six Things Jesus Accomplished on the Cross

1. Atonement (Jesus paid our debt).  He paid a sin debt he did not have.  He paid the sin debt we owed.  You don’t have to carry the weight and guilt of sin.  

2. Substitution (Jesus stood in our place).  He did not merely pay a debt.  He stood in our place and received the punishment for our sin. He stood where you should have stood.  

3. Justification (Jesus declared us righteous).  Through his completed and sufficient work, he declared sinners like us righteous. God is not against you, he is for you. 

4. Reconciliation (Jesus restored our relationship). He healed the damaged relationship between a Holy God and sinful humans.  You can live in a deep meaningful relationship with God Almighty.  

5. Redemption (Jesus brought us back).  He freed us from death, sin, captivity and brought us to freedom.  You are no longer a slave – you are free.  

6. Victory (Jesus provided us triumph over sin, death, and the devil).  The cross was not defeat but ultimate victory.  Your greatest enemies have already been defeated. 

What do you need to do?  Receive what has been provided to you by the grace of God through the sacrificial death of Jesus.