JULY 25

1 Corinthians 15:3

CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS

Why did Paul write ‘ first of all’? that “ first of all” does not mean the first thing to do. What he meant was what he was going to write was very important – a teaching of the most necessary truth. This must wake us up to what he would write after that – that Christ died for our sins. What does it mean to you? Have you ever been so touched that you cried when you think of how Christ died for you?

Jane was thumbing through a picture bible story book given by her godmother. She was sitting on her bed in her pajamas, looking at a picture of Jesus nailed to the cross. She was crying softly. Daddy walked into her room to tuck her in bed and saw her crying. “Why are you crying, my love?” asked Daddy.

“ They put nails through Jesus’hands and feet,”said Jane as she showed the picture to father. “He let them do such a horrible thing to Him.” “Jesus loved us that much,” Daddy said. “Jesus was willing to be hurt very badly so that we would not be punished for the bad things we do.”

“Like when I hit brother Tommy?” asked Jane. Daddy answered, “Yes. Or when you disobey me or mummy. All these bad things that you do are punishable. But when you trust in Jesus and ask God for forgiveness, Jesus takes away your punishment when He died on the cross. He went to the cross willingly.”

Jesus died for our sins. Because of what He did, God forgives us and calls us His children and gives us everlasting life. That is why we can go to heaven.

Thought: Why did Jesus allow the soldiers to nail Him on the cross?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. It was such a horrible, painful and shameful death, and Jesus bore it all for me. I know through His death, my sins are forgiven and I am Your child and You are my Father. Help me to live as You want me to. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.