Romans 5:12 explains “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.”
So what are we to do in order to be forgiven? Is there any hope for our salvation? We look to the cross, not as a tool of punishment, but as a symbol of redemption. Dr. Charles Stanley explains how Jesus gave us the ultimate gift. Jesus paid the price that our sin demanded. Death had to be conquered in order for us to live in the kingdom of God forever. “Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25) This Messiah, our redeemer was foretold at the foundation of the world(Ephesians 1:3-5) Affirmed at the fall of humanity(Genesis 3:15) Then reported by the prophets. God provided details about who our savior would be(Isaiah 7:14; 11:1) Where the Messiah would be born(Micah 5:2) When He would appear(Daniel 9:25-26) What He would do(Isaiah 61) and His main region of ministry(Isaiah 9:1;Matthew 4:12-17)
The encouraging message of the cross is that Jesus sacrificed Himself to give us the greatest gift ever given. The why of the cross is more than just the love He has for us. He was forsaken for us. “Eli, Eli, Lema Sabaktanei?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The exact moment Jesus cried out is very important. The Mishnah, which is the oral law of the Jewish people, reports, “The slaughter of the Passover Lamb was performed during the ninth hour.” That ninth hour Jesus cried out about being forsaken. Jesus took our sin and felt the crushing weight of it. The result? Victory over the grave! From being tortured and nailed to the Roman death instrument known as the cross, to being risen as the King. The tomb was empty. The promise that Jesus gave us was true! He rose to take His place in Heaven and left us the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “The Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and remind you of all that I said to you.”(John 14:26) An awesome explanation of the Holy Spirit is given by the author; The Holy Spirit is the Lord’s constant presence with us, indwelling us for the purpose of blessing, training, enabling, strengthen, energizing, equipping, guiding, healing, informing, transforming, warning, and producing eternal fruit through us. Also, it’s important to note that the harvest started on the third day after Passover with the Feast of FristFruits, the same day Jesus rose from the grave. In 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul explained, “Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.”
The resurrection of Christ was more than a divine and miraculous event. It was the dawning of a new way, the birth of everlasting hope, and the confirmation that Jesus really is Immanuel “God with us,” permanently. (Matthew 1:23) So In closing I will say that the gift that the cross gave us is Redemption. All we need to do is accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Jesus said,” If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself, take his cross, and follow me.”(Matthew 16:24) Resurrection power is limited by only one thing, unbelief.
1) Why I read this book?
This is the third book by author Dr. Charles Stanley that a Christian brother let me borrow. I felt the need to read this book along with the others so I am constantly equipped to battle the demons when I am confronted by them.
2) What did I learn from reading this book?
The gift that was given to us by what Jesus did on that Roman cross was the ultimate gift. There is no greater gift than to live for an eternity in His kingdom.
3) How will this book prepare me for success upon my release from prison?
I will remain focused on my faith and my family. I will continue to stay determined to be a successful contributing member of my community. I will never stop trying to better myself. I will never stop seeking redemption. I will never back down.
Thank you and God bless
JARROD COPELAND
55179-509
