“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Romans 5:6-11.
Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It is significant for Christians because it reminds followers of Jesus that He died for the sins of humanity. Many believe that His death had to happen in order for people to have a relationship with God.
But Good Friday is really good for us – for we have been redeemed and can find the way back to God (John 14:6).
Good Friday might not be so good for Jesus – who suffered death and the punishment of sin on our behalf. But Good Friday is really good for us – for we have been redeemed and can find the way back to God (John 14:6).
Any news or promise is only good if it is real, and you believe it and act accordingly.
So, is Good Friday GOOD for you?
In today’s passage, we are reminded that:
- Christ died at the RIGHT time.
- We were POWERLESS to save ourselves.
- Christ died for the GODLESS and SINNERS.
- Christ’s death is a demonstration of GOD’S LOVE.
- We are JUSTIFIED by his blood.
- We have received RECONCILIATION.
We glimpsed at the Sovereignty of God. The word for “time” means “strategic opportune moment within time, a time that is ripe at exactly the right moment as it had been designated by God.” Galatians 4:4, calls it “In the fullness of time.”
We glimpsed at Total Depravity. We were described as “helpless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies.” We can’t save ourselves. We need someone to save us.
We glimpsed at Penal Substitutionary Sacrifice. Christ died for us. He died in our place and for our benefit.
We glimpsed at Justification and Reconciliation. Reconciliation literally means “an exchange.” The idea is that your status before God is completely change. You were previously an enemy, now you’re a friend. You were previously ungodly, now he has declared you to be righteous. You were previously helpless, now he has come and moved into your life and brought the power of the Holy Spirit to enable you to live a Christian life.
Since Jesus died for us, He will surely also forgive us.
Since Jesus died for us, He will surely also save us from God’s wrath.
Since Jesus died for us, He will surely also have a relationship with us.
Since Jesus died for us, He will surely also love us.
Since Jesus died for us, He will surely also bless us.
“King of my life I crown Thee now–
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.
Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony,
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.”
Reflection:
Think about how much God loves you for Him to send Jesus to die for you? Are you aware of His immense love?
Why is it important for you to remember Jesus’ suffering?
What is keeping you from trusting God’s love?
Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, thank You for being willing to suffer (In my stead), even to death, so that I might receive eternal life. Thank you for your willingness to do what I am powerless to do. Thank you for loving me and showing me the way back to God.”
Rev Alvin Ngo has retired after 36 years of full-time pastoral ministry to be fulltime caregiver to his wife who has dementia. In his spare time, he reads, writes and preaches at least once a month, counsels and mentors others. He is married to Wai Leng and they have three children, Isaac, Ivan and Isabel.
