A Story

OK, most of us have pretty good imaginations, so I would like you to use them in this little story. This is a TRUE story at its base, but I have changed the circumstances for reasons you will see shortly.

Imagine for a minute that you decided to take a trip to an exotic location. It doesn't matter which one, just make one up, like one you have always wanted to go. So you are in this place, and aside from the strange customs and people, you are enjoying yourself.

You meet some friends and decide to go out one night to a local spot off in the woods, or wild, to a nice little park. While there you hear a commotion, and see that a crowd of people are approaching you. Come to find out, they are all policemen. They tell you you are under arrest. You are flabbergasted, but have no choice but to go with them.

They bring you before the Judge, and without even telling you the charges, the judge declares you guilty and then immediately sentences you to death. And not just any execution, but a special one for thieves and rapists. No matter how much you beg and plead and tell them you are not guilty, it does no good. The mode of death is that they nail you to a wood pole and let you slowly die over several days.

So they drag you to the pole, and it takes quiet a few of them, but they finally stretch your first hand out. The guard places the nail against your wrist...you can feel the point digging into your flesh. Another guard has a large hammer, and he rears it back, preparing to strike. But then all of a sudden a voice rings out..."Wait, wait, " it yells. This gentleman deserves to die, but instead I would like to take his place.

The guards were surprised and talked among themselves and then told the newcomer, " We must clear this through the Judge, for someone must die today for those crimes." It just so happens that the Judge was in the crowd that had gathered. The Judge slowly walks to the man and says to the guard, this man is my Son. "But He insists," the guard said. And the Judge declared, "As long as it is of His own free will, I will allow my Son to take the place of this criminal."

And that is just what happened.

Sound unbelievable? But something very similar happened. You see, the human race had become so corrupt and vile that the Lord God was going to condemn every living soul to death.

That was, unless a worthy sacrifice could be found. And after looking all through the Heavens and earth, a Worthy Sacrifice was found.

Revelations Chapter 5, verse 12 states: " Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain."

You see, that Lamb was Jesus, and He died a horrible, horrible death...in your place.

No matter how good a person you are, or how many good things you have done, you will never be worthy enough to stand before God. For even the best among us has sin. It was imparted to us at our birth.

So those 39 stripes...three nails...1 spear...and countless beatings- God plainly says that should have been you. But Jesus chose to take your place. And if you are washed in His blood, then you become worthy to stand before God. You know, God could have asked one of the angels to go...maybe Michael, or Gabriel, and they would have obeyed. But instead He came Himself.

Every man, woman, and child will one day stand before Gods throne, and bow upon our knees. But Jesse, you say, I don't believe in all that. Well that's ok, you will still bow.

And God will see one of two things: He will either see you for what you really are (a sinful human being), or He will see the Blood of Jesus Christ, which covers you at Salvation.

But He will not pass judgment yet. He will look over at His Son, who is sitting at His right hand and ask, "My Son, do you know this person?" And if Jesus says Yes, then you will hear these beautiful words: Well done My good and faithful servant; come in and share the bounty of your Lord." Or if He says no, you will hear: "Depart from me forever more and you will be thrown into the darkness (hell) where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Note: You can find a parable where Jesus explains this very thing in Matthew 25:14-30)

So see, why wait? The penalty has already been paid, so why not accept His free gift to you?

Which answer will you hear when God asks His son "Do you know this person?"

I know the answer for me...but do you. If you would like to know how to receive this free gift, shoot me an e-mail and I will get in touch with you!

PS- I hope to have a Plan of Salvation posted here soon for those of you that have suggested it. I just have learned how to post these, so please be patient!!

Jesse