FRIDAY April 18, 2025
Good Friday
So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
John 19:30
What is good about Good Friday? The work of our salvation was completed on the Cross. This is not to be taken lightly; it cost Jesus His life. Jesus’ sole purpose for coming to earth––His incarnation, God coming in human form––was to redeem mankind. What does the word redeem mean? In the Greek language, the word redeem means “to release by paying a ransom.” Jesus paid the ransom price through His blood:
...knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Scripture records the final words of Jesus Christ while He hung in agony on the Cross: “It is finished!” What was finished? Again, the costly price for the redemption of mankind. This was accomplished through the shedding of His blood: In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7).
Some religious people believe they have earned a place in heaven on the premise of their good conduct or their church attendance. The truth is, salvation is given on the grounds of God’s grace. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation––our good works are not enough.
Now that you understand that the redemption price for your sin has been willingly paid by Jesus Christ’s shed blood, how will you respond to such an incredible demonstration of love? Why not surrender your life completely to Him?
...God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
~Romans 5:8~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
