In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.

Jeremiah 50:21

WHO IS ABLE ?

Who is able and capable of rendering perfect satisfaction to the Law of God? Who is qualified to meet the demands of Divine justice? Who is competent to assume the responsibilities of a sinful people to pay all their sin-debts? Who is willing to be their Surety and sacrifice for sin? Who has the power to redeem from all transgression?

Clearly the only solution to these problems and the only answer to these questions is the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is able (Heb. 7:25). He alone is qualified to meet all the demands of the holy law (Is. 42:21; Matt. 5:17). He alone was manifested to put away sin (1 John 3:5). He alone has all power to save and redeem from all transgressions (John 17:2). He alone was willing to be our Saviour and Surety (John 10:17-18; Heb. 7:22).

NO OTHER SALVATION

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

There is no other SAVIOUR but the Lord Jesus Christ to look to for all salvation; (Isa.45:21-22; Matt.11:25-28; John14:6; Heb.12:2).

There is no other SACRIFICE but Jesus Christ to cleanse us from all sin (Heb. 1:3; Heb. 9:26; 1John1:7; 1Peter1:18-20).

There is no other SUBSTITUTE but Jesus Christ to redeem us from the curse of the Law (Isa. 42:21; 53:5-6; Gal. 3:13; 2Cor.5:21).

There is no other SERVANT butJesus Christ to honor and establish righteousness for us (Isa. 42:21; Dan. 9:24; Matt. 5:17; Phil. 3:7-9; Rom. 4:6),

There is no other SURETY but Jesus Christ to guarantee and fulfill all the terms of the everlasting covenant of grace (Heb. 7:22; Heb. 9:11-12; Heb. 13:20).

There is no other SHEPHERD but Jesus Christ that can effectually justify and bring the lost sheep home (Psalm 23; John 6: 37-39; 10:11-15; Matt. 1:21; Heb. 2:10; 1Peter 3:18).

There is no other SURE FOUNDATION but Jesus Christ where weary sinners can find safety, salvation and secure refuge (Psalm 46:1; Isa. 28:16; 1Cor. 3:11; 1Peter 2:6).

There is no other SCEPTRE but Jesus Christ to rule and reign for the good of the elect and the glory of God (Gen. 49:10; Ro. 8:28; Acts 2:36; Phil. 2:7-9; Rev. 5:9-12).

There is no other SEED OF WOMAN but Jesus Christ to bruise the serpent’s head and crush the dominion of sin and evil (Gen. 3:15; Col. 2:15; Heb. 2:14-17).

What a glorious Redeemer, Lord, God and Saviour we have in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 20:28; Acts 2:36)!

Christ Crucified

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1Cor. 2:2).

The crucifixion and death of the Lord Jesus Christ was no accident. He was not a helpless victim of unjust men but the appointed sacrifice of a HOLY GOD (John 1:29). Here are three things that we need to always remember about the death of our Lord.

1). GOD PLANNED THE CROSS!

It is true that the Pharisees went out and held a council about how they might destroy Him (Matt. 12:14). But God, in the council halls of eternity, determined the outcome of their meeting. Listen to what the word of God declares; "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain" (Acts 2:23). They did what their wicked hearts wanted to do; but in doing so, they execute the purpose of God (Acts: 4:26-27). Our Lord was the Lamb that was promised (Rev. 13:8) and the Lamb that in time was sacrificed unto God to put away our sin (John 1:29; Gal. 4:4).

2). GOD PRESIDED OVER THE CROSS!

Pilate thought he was in charge that day. He said, "Don't you know that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?" But our Lord corrected him quickly, "Thou couldest have no power over me, except it were given thee from above" (John 19:10-11). My friend, God was in charge that day (Acts 2:23; 4:26-28). Our God eternally, sovereignty rules and reigns over all things (Isa. 46:9-11; Rom. 11:36; Eph. 1:11). Our Lord gave Himself to be the sacrifice for our sins; no man took His life (John 10:18; 18:4-11).

3). GOD PARTICIPATED IN THE AFFLICTION OF THE CROSS!

We know that it pleased Pilate to condemn Him, the Pharisees were pleased to see Him crucified, and the Roman soldiers were pleased to put another Jew to death. But we must always remember that IT PLEASED GOD TO BRUISE HIM (Isa. 53:10)! The work wicked men did that day at Calvary was not sufficient to put away our sin. What God did that day at the cross is our hope. He was "smitten of God and afflicted." By the divine decree of God our sin was laid on Christ Jesus and made His (Psalm 40:12; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Peter 2:4). God punished Jesus Christ as the believer’s Substitute (I Peter 2:24; 3:18). God made an end of our sin in Christ Jesus crucified and accomplished salvation for us (Heb.1:3; 9:26; 10:17).