The Cost

11/20/2020

Ephesians 1:7 “In whom we have…the forgiveness of sins.”

 

“The only ground on which God can forgive us is the tremendous tragedy of the Cross of Christ; to put forgiveness on any other ground is unconscious blasphemy                                                                                                                                      ~Oswald Chambers

Today’s study warns of viewing God the Father as so loving and kind that He, of course, will forgive me just because He loves me. Chambers calls this unconscious blasphemy. Again, it is not about me at all, for I will never be worthy. It is only about the atoning sacrifice of Jesus that came at the greatest cost imaginable. Jesus, ever obedient to the Father, endured horrific agony on the Cross of Calvary. I should never be caviler in my faith or forget that cost, ever. 

I have a blended faith of sorts. I was raised Roman Catholic, then began my evangelical journey in my twenties. I have always felt that the evangelical world usually focuses on victory or “feel good” preaching. It certainly is a lot easier to focus on the Risen Christ and God’s blessings, but we cannot have those things without the crucifixion of Christ. I was raised with a massive crucifix hanging in every Catholic Church I ever attended, and boy does that image have power! It always draws me into the immense love of the Savior’s sacrifice for me.

 I have always believed that I need to focus on all of Jesus’ ministry, but particularly so His death and resurrection. Then last year for my birthday, my brother and sister-in-law gave me a very special cross that I cherish. I have written about it before. It depicts both the crucified and risen Christ. I had never seen this any other time, and was so moved by the gift that I cried. It is a physical representation of the two most important and transforming moments in all eternity.

The deep gratitude I feel for my Lord’s sacrifice, and the saving grace it gives, is immeasurable and indescribable. It is nothing that I have earned or that I deserve, but He gives it to me freely. I will never be able to repay such a debt, but all He asks of me is obedience to His word, and to love Him and others. When I come to Him with a contrite heart for my sin, He always has forgiven me and always will, for He paid my ransom. I will leave you with these compelling and moving words of Chambers. “When once you realize all that it cost God to forgive you, you will be held as in a vice, constrained by the love of God.”