Three Gifts of Easter

John 19:28-3028 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Jesus said in His final breath, “It is finished.” What is finished?  Two Major Accomplishment of the Cross 1. Forgiveness 2. Freedom  Forgiveness: How was forgiveness done on the cross? Mechanism of Forgiveness 1. SubstitutionJesus, who had no sin, became sin for us/in behalf of us, so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God.  (2 Corinthians 5:21)  2. PropitiationRomans 3:25 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement (Propitiation) through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.  3. Reconciliation Romans 5:10, “…when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son”      Freedom 1.     We are free from the power of sin and death.Roman 5:8-9 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!2.   We are free from the power of the Devil.I John 3:7-8 Dear children,do not let anyone lead you astray.The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil,because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 3.   We are free to approach God as our Holy Father. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 4.  We are free to love one another with true love I John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Our Response 1. Faith 2. Gratitude