Blessed be the Lord, Part 2 – Luke 1:67-68

Many believers think salvation is one important historical event, acknowledging its importance, but forgetting its significance for the present day. But in reality, salvation must be the foundation of everything every day of our lives. We experience salvation not in theory, but it works in us daily, effecting joy, gratitude, and obedience. Our salvation is why we must bless the Lord. Jesus Christ has visited us for one specific purpose- to accomplish redemption. (Heb 11:5)

Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?

Every man is totally lost. If you think you have anything to offer God to earn His favor, you are deluded and condemned. All men are totally depraved and have nothing good to warrant salvation. We are unable to save ourselves, and in our fallen state we are hopeless and helpless. (Rom 5:6; Heb 7:25)

God commands obedience. God is our Creator and He is holy. He demands perfect obedience, but we fall short because we are not holy, but sinful. Sin is lawlessness. As sinners, we have put our own opinions and desires above truth. (1Pet 1:16)

Sin incurs a debt, a debt we can not pay. Jesus died on the cross to pay for every single sin from past, present, and future. (Matt 18:34-35)

Sin is hostility. Men are enemies of God and have an innate hostility towards Him. As truly God and truly man, Jesus came to be the mediator between God and mankind. (Ps 11:5)

Sin is a crime. God is the perfect Judge who must uphold justice and punish those who have broken His law. God’s justice is perfectly upheld in Christ, as He condemned Jesus on the cross in our place. (Matt 27:46)

Jesus came to redeem us by offering up Himself to purchase us from captivity of sin and death. We have been saved from the wrath of God, bought with a price that only Christ was able to pay. By His own blood, Jesus placated a wrathful God. (Heb 9:27)

God did everything to save us from His wrath. We must bless the Lord for His mercy and grace. Those who trust Jesus Christ are God’s people. They have heard the voice of Jesus their Shepherd, and walk through the narrow gate, forsaking everything to have Christ alone. Every day they strive to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus. These are the essential marks of God’s people. Are you one of them? (Lk 9:22-23)

We bless the Lord because we are in Jesus Christ, and He is the most precious gift of all.