Part IV – What Christ Did to Restore God’s Glory
What hope is there for mankind if we are destined to eternal wrath for sinning against an infinite, holy God? First, what has to happen for God to even consider not crushing us under His wrath in hell? Our debt must be paid. God would not be just to ignore His name being dragged through the mud. Therefore, again, the debt must be paid so that we can be pardoned. Is this all? Can we make our way to eternity with God on just the basis of forgiven sin? No, our debt might be paid, but the paid debt is no good without change. Therefore God requires that the debt must be paid and that we must be made holy to enter His eternal kingdom. How can man do that? It’s impossible. This is made clear in Matt. 19:16-26 with Jesus speaking to the rich young ruler. Christ said “it is easier for the camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”. Then the disciples say “Then who can be saved?”; Christ finishes by saying, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." This is where Christ is made so glorious. Christ came to earth to die for sinners. By Christ dying on the cross He pays the debt of sin (that’s called justification) and then the Holy Spirit indwells and begins what is called sanctification where he changes the life of the individual. This is available to all who believe that Christ died for their sin and who repent (180 degree turn, literally) and turn away from their sin and follow Christ.
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Acts 3:19 - "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;
Act 20:20-21 -- how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable,
and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 solemnly testifying to both Jews
and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
