The Hill
On the hill that day there were three men. One was on a mission. He had a purpose and a reason to be there. The other two men had a reason to be there as well. They also had a purpose – they just didn’t know it at the time.
One was there to fulfill his destiny (or at least to continue his destiny). It was his choice to be there. The other two did not have a choice, but they were there to fulfill their destiny as well. There was a different fate awaiting each man at the end of the day. How did they meet and what were they doing on that hill that day?
Here’s the backstory: Mankind became corrupted spiritually not long after Adam and Even were created. They decided their will - their pride - was more important than obeying their Creator God and they sinned against Him. They ate the fruit which God had told them not to eat. They completely understood it was forbidden to them. Yet they chose to disobey God and they were punished for their sins. Their disobedience caused the fall of mankind when God announced their punishment – a death sentence (Genesis 3). And that sentence was also exacted upon every person who would come after them. Every single one of us is born with a sin-nature. We instinctively rebel against God and push Him away. We sin and we disobey.
But God loved Adam and Eve, the only creation made in God’s own image. And He knew there was only one way to cover their nakedness and to forgive them of their sins: So God killed an animal and made clothes for the pair. That was the first blood offering to cover someone’s sin. The bible tells us life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). It takes one life to redeem or allow for forgiveness for the sin of another. Romans 6:23a tells us “For the wages of sin is death.” Eventually; God would give Moses the law and would instruct His people how to offer blood sacrifices for forgiveness and covering of their sins. There was a flaw with the law given to Moses though. The people had to continue to make sacrifices to be forgiven for their sins. The Mosaic Law was not complete. But don’t think the flaw was not intentional. God knew there was a missing piece to the salvation puzzle. And He would reveal His plan in His perfect timing.
God knew there was a need for mankind to be forgiven and set on the right path to holiness, to righteousness. God loves each of us so much that He set into motion the killing of one last sacrifice which would preclude any future need for additional sacrifices (Romans 6:9-11). You see “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son (Jesus), that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God created us in His image so we could spend our eternity with Him in His glory. To secure our rightful (once forgiven) place with Him He sent Jesus to die for us – in our place. We should be sentenced to death and separation from Him for all eternity, but instead He sent Jesus to pay our debt and to cleanse us with His redeeming blood. One life, one sacrifice, one time. For all mankind. The rest of the verse in Romans 6:23 reminds us “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
In 1 Peter 1:3-5 we are told “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” We are bought with the blood of Jesus. And 1 Peter 1:18-25 says “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you.”
We have our Hope in Jesus. When we ask forgiveness for our sins and put our trust, our faith in Jesus and turn from our wicked ways we are sanctified and set apart for Him.
On the hill that day there were three men. One was on a mission. His name is Jesus, the Christ – our Messiah, our Redeemer, and our Savior. He had a purpose and a reason to be there. The other two men had a reason to be there as well. They also had a purpose – they just didn’t know it at the time. Man # 2 realized he deserved to be sentenced and die for his crimes, but he also knew Jesus was pure and sinless. He knew Jesus did not deserve to die. He had committed no crime. So he told the 3rd man to be quiet and asked Jesus to forgive him for his crimes, for his sins. Jesus told him that he would be with Him in paradise that same day. His sins were forgiven and he was made white and clean by the sacrificial blood of the Lamb of God. The 3rd man rejected Jesus. He died in his sins and is in hell right now and for all eternity. That was his choice to make. He chose poorly. (Luke 23:32-43)
One was there to fulfill his destiny (or at least to continue his destiny). It was his choice to be there. The other two did not have a choice, but they were there as well to fulfill their destiny. All three men died on a cross that day and there was a different fate awaiting each man at the end of the day. We know Jesus is sitting at God’s right hand in heaven right now. As far the fate of the other two men, which will you choose? It is up to you whether you accept or reject Christ Jesus. Reject Him, join man # 3, and be sentenced to hell for all eternity. Accept Him and someday you too will join man # 2 and be with the Lord in paradise. Your decision. Choose wisely. This is your eternity decision.
Don’t wait until tomorrow! Tomorrow may not come for you. Swallow your pride. Admit that you are a sinner, repent of your sins, and ask God to forgive you for your sins and invite Jesus into your heart. Will you say yes to Jesus today?
In order to become a child of God, and Joint-Heir with Jesus, we are directed to confess our sins to God, and ask God to forgive us of our sins (please see the "Salvation Prayer" below). We are to believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again on the 3rd day - DEFEATING Satan for ALL eternity.
I can picture God in heaven looking down at you and saying "Come on Jim (that's my name, but feel free to insert yours here) I just want to love you. I sent my Son, Jesus, to die in your place so you wouldn't have to suffer in hell and be separated from me for all eternity. PLEASE accept Him into your life and let me send my Comforter (the Holy Spirit) to you."
SALVATION PRAYER
If you do not know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, simply pray the following prayer in faith, and Jesus will be your Lord! "Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" and "If you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved" (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:9). You said my salvation would be the result of Your Holy Spirit giving me new birth by coming to live in me (John 3:5-6, 15-16; Romans 8:9-11) and that if I would ask, You would fill me with Your Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:4). I take You at Your Word. I confess that Jesus is Lord. I ask that you wash me clean with the Blood of Jesus and forgive me of all my sins and all unrighteousness. I believe in my heart that You have raised Jesus from the dead and I am a "New Man" (or Woman) in Christ. Thank You for coming to live in my heart, for giving me Your Holy Spirit as You have promised, and for being Lord over my life. Amen."
When you say the prayer of salvation, and ask Jesus into your heart, you become a new person. Jesus send the Comforter (the holy spirit) to you and He indwells your spirit. You should want to change from being the sinful person you were, to a new person in Jesus. If you don't feel an intense desire to change, and turn away from your sin and your old sin-nature, then you ARE NOT SAVED. I beg you to search your heart and really turn to Jesus and ask for forgiveness and TURN AWAY FROM YOUR OLD SIN LIFE. Please don't hesitate to me if there is anything I can do to help you.
I encourage you to find a strong Bible-based church and start enjoying your new life in Christ. Remember, Jesus Love You more than you can ever imagine. :-)
A psalm of David
Psalm 63:1-8, “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.”
On the hill that day there were three men. One was on a mission. He had a purpose and a reason to be there. The other two men had a reason to be there as well. They also had a purpose – they just didn’t know it at the time.
One was there to fulfill his destiny (or at least to continue his destiny). It was his choice to be there. The other two did not have a choice, but they were there to fulfill their destiny as well. There was a different fate awaiting each man at the end of the day. How did they meet and what were they doing on that hill that day?
Here’s the backstory: Mankind became corrupted spiritually not long after Adam and Even were created. They decided their will - their pride - was more important than obeying their Creator God and they sinned against Him. They ate the fruit which God had told them not to eat. They completely understood it was forbidden to them. Yet they chose to disobey God and they were punished for their sins. Their disobedience caused the fall of mankind when God announced their punishment – a death sentence (Genesis 3). And that sentence was also exacted upon every person who would come after them. Every single one of us is born with a sin-nature. We instinctively rebel against God and push Him away. We sin and we disobey.
But God loved Adam and Eve, the only creation made in God’s own image. And He knew there was only one way to cover their nakedness and to forgive them of their sins: So God killed an animal and made clothes for the pair. That was the first blood offering to cover someone’s sin. The bible tells us life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). It takes one life to redeem or allow for forgiveness for the sin of another. Romans 6:23a tells us “For the wages of sin is death.” Eventually; God would give Moses the law and would instruct His people how to offer blood sacrifices for forgiveness and covering of their sins. There was a flaw with the law given to Moses though. The people had to continue to make sacrifices to be forgiven for their sins. The Mosaic Law was not complete. But don’t think the flaw was not intentional. God knew there was a missing piece to the salvation puzzle. And He would reveal His plan in His perfect timing.
God knew there was a need for mankind to be forgiven and set on the right path to holiness, to righteousness. God loves each of us so much that He set into motion the killing of one last sacrifice which would preclude any future need for additional sacrifices (Romans 6:9-11). You see “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son (Jesus), that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God created us in His image so we could spend our eternity with Him in His glory. To secure our rightful (once forgiven) place with Him He sent Jesus to die for us – in our place. We should be sentenced to death and separation from Him for all eternity, but instead He sent Jesus to pay our debt and to cleanse us with His redeeming blood. One life, one sacrifice, one time. For all mankind. The rest of the verse in Romans 6:23 reminds us “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
In 1 Peter 1:3-5 we are told “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” We are bought with the blood of Jesus. And 1 Peter 1:18-25 says “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you.”
We have our Hope in Jesus. When we ask forgiveness for our sins and put our trust, our faith in Jesus and turn from our wicked ways we are sanctified and set apart for Him.
On the hill that day there were three men. One was on a mission. His name is Jesus, the Christ – our Messiah, our Redeemer, and our Savior. He had a purpose and a reason to be there. The other two men had a reason to be there as well. They also had a purpose – they just didn’t know it at the time. Man # 2 realized he deserved to be sentenced and die for his crimes, but he also knew Jesus was pure and sinless. He knew Jesus did not deserve to die. He had committed no crime. So he told the 3rd man to be quiet and asked Jesus to forgive him for his crimes, for his sins. Jesus told him that he would be with Him in paradise that same day. His sins were forgiven and he was made white and clean by the sacrificial blood of the Lamb of God. The 3rd man rejected Jesus. He died in his sins and is in hell right now and for all eternity. That was his choice to make. He chose poorly. (Luke 23:32-43)
One was there to fulfill his destiny (or at least to continue his destiny). It was his choice to be there. The other two did not have a choice, but they were there as well to fulfill their destiny. All three men died on a cross that day and there was a different fate awaiting each man at the end of the day. We know Jesus is sitting at God’s right hand in heaven right now. As far the fate of the other two men, which will you choose? It is up to you whether you accept or reject Christ Jesus. Reject Him, join man # 3, and be sentenced to hell for all eternity. Accept Him and someday you too will join man # 2 and be with the Lord in paradise. Your decision. Choose wisely. This is your eternity decision.
Don’t wait until tomorrow! Tomorrow may not come for you. Swallow your pride. Admit that you are a sinner, repent of your sins, and ask God to forgive you for your sins and invite Jesus into your heart. Will you say yes to Jesus today?
In order to become a child of God, and Joint-Heir with Jesus, we are directed to confess our sins to God, and ask God to forgive us of our sins (please see the "Salvation Prayer" below). We are to believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again on the 3rd day - DEFEATING Satan for ALL eternity.
I can picture God in heaven looking down at you and saying "Come on Jim (that's my name, but feel free to insert yours here) I just want to love you. I sent my Son, Jesus, to die in your place so you wouldn't have to suffer in hell and be separated from me for all eternity. PLEASE accept Him into your life and let me send my Comforter (the Holy Spirit) to you."
SALVATION PRAYER
If you do not know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, simply pray the following prayer in faith, and Jesus will be your Lord! "Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" and "If you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved" (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:9). You said my salvation would be the result of Your Holy Spirit giving me new birth by coming to live in me (John 3:5-6, 15-16; Romans 8:9-11) and that if I would ask, You would fill me with Your Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:4). I take You at Your Word. I confess that Jesus is Lord. I ask that you wash me clean with the Blood of Jesus and forgive me of all my sins and all unrighteousness. I believe in my heart that You have raised Jesus from the dead and I am a "New Man" (or Woman) in Christ. Thank You for coming to live in my heart, for giving me Your Holy Spirit as You have promised, and for being Lord over my life. Amen."
When you say the prayer of salvation, and ask Jesus into your heart, you become a new person. Jesus send the Comforter (the holy spirit) to you and He indwells your spirit. You should want to change from being the sinful person you were, to a new person in Jesus. If you don't feel an intense desire to change, and turn away from your sin and your old sin-nature, then you ARE NOT SAVED. I beg you to search your heart and really turn to Jesus and ask for forgiveness and TURN AWAY FROM YOUR OLD SIN LIFE. Please don't hesitate to me if there is anything I can do to help you.
I encourage you to find a strong Bible-based church and start enjoying your new life in Christ. Remember, Jesus Love You more than you can ever imagine. :-)
A psalm of David
Psalm 63:1-8, “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.”
