Jesus did not take away unconditionally the sins of future men. Rather He provided the means by which our sins could be forgiven as long as each man corresponded with His grace.

The benefits of the Redemption, His dying for our sins on the Cross, are that Christ fully satisfied the justice of God for the infinite offense of sin. He freed man from its slavery. He made it possible for man to be united with God on earth by regaining for him the gift of divine life, sanctifying grace.

It is in God’s grace and by God’s grace that we are to live, one in Him, and with Him, and through Him, as adopted sons and daughters of God and as heirs to Heaven. In Jesus God reconciled us to Himself and among ourselves. From bondage to Satan and sin Jesus delivered us so that each one of us can say: “ The son of God loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Gal. 2:20)

Jesus suffered and died for us. We are a part of this drama of the Cross. We are also responsible. Our sins are reflected in the sufferings and death of Jesus our Lord and Savior. It was for us that He suffered and died. By His Cross we are saved.

Apart from Jesus there is no salvation. Our Lord Himself said: “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24)

Yet, few who are professing Christ as Lord and Savior are denying themselves and taking up their crosses and following after Jesus. Carrying a cross in not appealing. Instead most prefer to follow after false teachings of Christ. They follow after only a Jesus that they like.

May the many in Christendom following after the fables leave the fables and take up their crosses and follow after Jesus as He is.

St. Peter who was close to Jesus restated this, which we must do, when he wrote: “ For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you may follow in His steps.” (1 Pet. 2: 21)

We are to imitate the suffering Jesus and with Him satisfy for our sins. We are to witness the life of Christ to the world around us and not a life of sin.

Taking up our crosses and following after Jesus in this hour, the last hour of the last days, means being brave with the grace of God against the tides of evil such as abortion, pornography, pedophilia, gay rights and same sex marriages,transgenderism, greed, deceit, and false love of God and neighbor.

It may cost you everything to purchase the pearl of great price. ( Matt.13:46)Things are that bad now. It won’t be easy.

Looking back and wanting back what you had left behind trying to serve Jesus in this very evil hour will mark you unfit for the reign of God. ( Luke 9:62)

Pray for grace and power of God to carry your cross.
In love of Jesus,Your brother in Christ, Eddie