The Cross That Brought You Near to God

The cross is the greatest demonstration of God's love and the foundation of our salvation. In this message from Matthew 27, Pastor Chris Teien explains how Jesus' sacrifice reveals the seriousness of sin, provides our rescue, and opens the way for every believer to draw near to God.Jesus willingly gave His life so that we could be forgiven, adopted into God's family, and enjoy a personal relationship with Him. Because of the cross, those who trust in Christ are no longer separated from God but are welcomed into His presence through grace.In This Message: 1. The Cross Reveals the Weight of SinJesus bore the full weight of humanity's sin as He hung on the cross. His suffering reminds us that sin is far more serious than we often realize and that only Christ could pay its penalty. (Matthew 27:45-46; Amos 8:9)2. The Cross Enabled Jesus to Rescue YouJesus willingly gave His life in our place, becoming the perfect sacrifice for sin. Through His death, God offers forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life to everyone who believes in Christ. (Matthew 27:46-50; Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18)3. The Cross Invites You to Come NearWhen the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom, God opened the way for believers to come directly into His presence through Jesus Christ. We no longer need an earthly mediator because Christ is our perfect High Priest. (Matthew 27:51-54; Hebrews 10:19-22; Ephesians 2:13)TakeawayDon't carry the weight of your sin any longer. Trust in Jesus Christ, draw near to God through His sacrifice, and live each day in the freedom and hope He has provided.Illustrations• The darkness that covered the land demonstrates the weight of God's judgment as Jesus bore the sins of the world.• The torn temple curtain illustrates that Christ removed the barrier separating sinful people from a holy God.• The Roman centurion's confession reminds us that even those who witnessed the crucifixion recognized Jesus as the Son of God.Key Quotes"The cross reveals the weight of sin.""Jesus gave His life so you could be brought near to God.""We don't need another priest because Jesus is our perfect High Priest."Search TopicsMatthew 27, the cross, crucifixion, Good Friday, Jesus Christ, forgiveness, salvation, grace, drawing near to God, Pastor Chris TeienFull Episode & Transcript:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/1896150026.0403der Sacrifice in Action: How the Cross Sets You Free Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith