Forgiveness Is Released
We are forgiven by Christ’s death on the cross because the punishment for sin fell on Him instead of us. Therefore, at the cross, God’s forgiveness is released toward us.
Guest (Male): Open the Bible with Colin Smith.
Colin Smith: Our sin reached its full horror and its most awful expression at the cross. Having disobeyed God’s commands, we were now crucifying God’s Son. If ever there was a moment in human history where God’s judgment had to fall, this was it.
But Jesus cried out, "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing." Christ knew that God’s judgment would come that day, but he was saying, "Don’t let it fall on them. Let it fall on me and on me alone. Let me be the lightning rod for your judgment on their sin."
This is the heart of the gospel. Jesus stood under the judgment of God for our sins. He absorbed what was due to us in himself, and that’s how forgiveness is released for all who belong to Jesus.
Guest (Male): Invite a friend to open the Bible with you at openthebible.org.
Featured Offer
In his book, The Incomparable Christ, John Stott invites you to view Jesus from four perspectives: The Original Jesus, The Ecclesiastical Jesus, The Influential Jesus, and The Eternal Jesus. You will find in these pages the Jesus who is like no other—worthy of your worship, your confession, and your obedience, as you follow the One who meets the longings and hopes of every human heart.
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Featured Offer
In his book, The Incomparable Christ, John Stott invites you to view Jesus from four perspectives: The Original Jesus, The Ecclesiastical Jesus, The Influential Jesus, and The Eternal Jesus. You will find in these pages the Jesus who is like no other—worthy of your worship, your confession, and your obedience, as you follow the One who meets the longings and hopes of every human heart.
About Open the Bible Minute
About Colin Smith
Born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, he trained at the London School of Theology where he earned the degrees of Bachelor of Theology and Master of Philosophy. Before coming to the States in 1996, Colin served as senior pastor of the Enfield Evangelical Free Church in London.
He is the author of several books including Momentum: Pursuing God’s Blessings through the Beatitudes; Heaven, How I Got Here: The Story of the Thief on the Cross; Jonah: Navigating a God-Centered Life; The One Year Unlocking the Bible Devotional; 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible; The 10 Greatest Struggles of Your Life; as well as others. His preaching ministry is shared around the world through Open the Bible.
Colin and his wife Karen reside in Arlington Heights, Ill., and have two married sons and five granddaughters.
Contact Open the Bible Minute with Colin Smith
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