So God began to prepare the world for this rescuer, called Messiah, many centuries before He actually came. He did this by revealing his plan to certain chosen people, called prophets. These prophets wrote down the things God showed them and put them into His Book as prophecies that would be fulfilled in the future. When the time finally arrived, more than 300 of these prophecies came true in the life of a single man, born of a virgin: Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

Although the whole human race deserved eternal death because of their wrong doings, or sins, most people did not admit that they were guilty. So, when Jesus began His ministry, He tried to make people see the evil inside their own hearts. “I did not come to call the righteous,” He said, “but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32). You see, all people had wickedness in their hearts, but most refused to see it. And many people hoped that God would just ignore their sin. But since God is too pure to ignore evil, people could not avoid the punishment that was coming! But wait—God’s clever plan was about to unfold. For God Himself would take the full punishment of sin for mankind, in order to save as many as would turn to Him.

So then, after three and half years of teaching people how to live rightly, and healing the many sick people who came to Him, Jesus willingly gave up His very own life for the sake of sinners. He, Himself, who never sinned, either in thought, word, or deed, allowed Himself to be falsely accused by wicked religious leaders, beaten terribly and hung on a cross to die. And on that cross He not only suffered terrible pain and rejection from all the people, but even more than this, He endured the fury of God’s anger against sin. This painful anger was being poured out upon Him! For Jesus was willingly taking upon Himself the full punishment from God that sinful mankind deserved for all their evil crimes. The horrible, painful, eternal death that they were supposed to face, Jesus faced it for them—alone—on the cross.

...and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead on the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:46-47)

When He had finally died, Jesus was taken down from the cross and laid in a stone tomb. The religious leaders posted soldiers at the sealed entrance to make sure that no one could take away His body. For Jesus had promised that He would rise from the dead after three days, and the leaders wanted to prove that His body would still be there. But to their amazement, on the third day, Jesus rose up from the tomb alive, just as He said!

At once, Jesus showed Himself to His disciples and to all the many people who had followed Him. How joyous they were that He lived again! He quickly told them the wonderful news: He had endured the punishment of eternal death for their sakes, and for all those everywhere who want to come back to God. He actually took their place and suffered their punishment so that they wouldn’t have to suffer it! He explained that all those who now turned away, or repented, from sin and put their faith in Him as their Savior, would have all their sins washed away and would receive everlasting life.

Lastly, Jesus told his disciples to go and share this wonderful news to anyone who would listen. Then, when all the world has had the opportunity to hear and respond to God’s gracious offer, Jesus would return to set up His kingdom on earth. After He had said this, He rose up into Heaven on a cloud and sat down at the right hand of God the Father.


*All material on this page copyrighted © 2003-2006 by Diana Rosdail. All rights reserved.