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by Buzz Dahlen I recently purchased the DVD of the Passion of the Christ and watched it again. As I was in the theater, I was again impressed with the beating that Jesus took before He was crucified. Again, my eyes weld up with tears as he was hit, repeatedly, only to be turned over and beaten some more. From what I understand, Mel Gibson’s film did not display, to the fullest extent, the beating that Jesus was forced to endure. The endurance and determination that was displayed by Jesus was beyond what my mind could comprehend. It makes me stop and appreciate what He did for me. His death on the cross was no picnic either. Again, I do not think the film fully demonstrated what Jesus was forced to experience during his slow and agonizing death. There are many websites available online where you can read about the crucifixion from a medical point of view. Just type in the crucifixion of Jesus on any search engine and you will find them. Space does not allow me to type in all that went into Christ’s death on the cross… So, why am I concerned with the beating and crucifixion of Jesus? I don’t think any of us fully appreciate the price paid for our salvation. The bible give us some indication in the Old Testament prophecies and in the New Testament, eye witness accounts of what happened, but still it is hard to fully grasp all that happened just by reading, Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5 When death comes so close to our lives in the death of a child or a close friend or relative, it typically causes us to stop and consider our vulnerable state. Life is short and there is no promise other then the promise that death will come to us all. Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment… Hebrews 9:27. It was for this reason, because we all are going to die and face judgment that Jesus Christ had to die. Unfortunately, some people just don’t get it. They don’t understand that they must consciously and of their own free will, accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and His death as God’s only provision for our salvation and the gift of eternal life. Here is the rest of the sentence in Hebrews, …so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28 If you just don’t get it read the words of Paul to the Romans: "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, ”Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Romans 10:8-11 Life here on earth is short and knowing that it will come to an end someday, many attempt to prolong their life, here. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." Mark 8:34-38 I hope you get it. If you would like to barrow my DVD, The Passion of the Christ” let me know. If you want to talk, give me a call. If you want to give your life to Christ, do it! |
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