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Why Did Jesus Have to Die - I Am a Good Person (Micah 6:6-8)
Freelance writer/Speaker
"With what shall I come before the LORD, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams or ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" Micah 6:6-7
The book of Micah is a strong word of rebuke from the LORD to His people for the rebellious life they had been leading up until that point. The question asked then, reflects the thoughts many of us have today. This question is rhetorical; the answer given in verse eight:
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
It is obvious that we as sinful man cannot do anything good—at least not the good the measures of to God’s standard. Our sin nature will always interfere; and when it does, we think we can make amends through service.
Some help the poor and donate to charities; some go to church a little more often; some say 10 "Our Father's," and still others don't do anything except to say that their good will outweigh their bad and God will let them into heaven.
The truth is our "good" will never be enough to earn us a place in heaven or give us favor with God. Isaiah 64:6 tells us that our righteousness is like filthy rags before a pure and holy God, which is why his requirement does not stop at being just, but he takes it two steps further. Sure, we love mercy—when it applies to ourselves, but do we give it? Additionally, are we walking humbly with our God? Do we even consider God a personal God—is he your God? Is he mine?
Nevertheless, we should be encouraged, not discouraged at this truth, because it causes us to look within, not to the outward appearances we put on display for others to see. We then recognize the areas of weakness, and the places where we know we are sinning against God, which should lead us to repentance and surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is why Jesus had to die—what God requires of us is impossible to give without the power of God given to us through faith in Jesus, and when we face him, each of us will give an account for the life we lived. Did we live in accordance to his will, or did we take our chances and follow our own instincts?
Titus said it well:
"But when the kindness and the love of God appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out to us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life". Titus 3:4-7
Ever wonder just how big of a deal it was for Jesus to go to the cross, or wonder why He is called the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world? Read the book of Leviticus. Consider all the requirements for animal sacrifices that took place daily for every sin the Hebrews committed - and it lists them all, there is nothing left to wonder.
Jesus paid the price once, for all; there is no longer a continual sacrifice, Jesus is our payment for sin. What then are we to do? We acknowledge our sin, we humble ourselves before Almighty God and we accept the sacrifice Jesus has made, and then we live our lives according to His word. There is only one unforgivable sin, and this is the rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our life. Have you let the Holy Spirit fall to the ground, or have you let Him fill your heart?
Today, may the reality of the death and resurrection of Jesus cause our hearts to be humbled and remember there is nothing we can give in return for our sin. Eternity is not a laughing matter; hell is real, and there are no parties in Hell.
"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambition, dissentions, heresies, envy, murder, drunkenness, revelries and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" Galatians 5:19-21
Article submitted Thursday, March 25, 2010 & read 205 times.
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» left by heather from veneta (1 year 322 days ago.)
Very Good Teresa! As always thorough and Biblical. Love ya!Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,649)
Thank you Heather, this was heavy on my heart, so I had to share it. Blessings to you, love you too!
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» left by Linda DeWitt (1 year 322 days ago.)
Love your prayer at the end Teresa. I also enjoyed the article. Thanks for sharing.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,649)
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your faithfulness to read, now that I have a little more time hear and there, I will be catching up on some reading and commenting. I will make it to yours, because you always inspire me.
Blessings to you! T
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» left by Anita from Veneta (1 year 322 days ago.)
Great article Teresa. Miss you guys, been hearing about you and you are in my prayers. Have a wonderful Easter too and keep up the good work in the LORD, Love yaRespond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,649)
Hi Anita,
Thank you, I miss you - and we haven't forgotten. It's just tough. Lord willing things will pick up for Art and this writing project will pay off. It looks like we are going to be here at my mom's longer than we had planned and hoped.
Thank you for reading. When are you going to share again? Hugs, blessings,and love, T
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» left by Lydia Najera from Spangle, Washington (1 year 321 days ago.)
Tresa you are a great insperation in my life. I feel that I am learning from one of the best.
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» left by Teresa(1,649)
Thank you Lydia, what a blessing it is to be witness to all that God is doing in your life. You are a testimony, and I thank you for your willingness to be transparent so that others will be encouraged.
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» left by Marijo Phelps(198)We appreciate your comments!(1 year 317 days ago.)
"Jesus paid the price once and for all" and we get to respond to Him out of love because our works do not save us - it is all about Him! Good thoughts and article T!Respond to this comment