Articles
The Big Picture
Sometimes we can get bogged down in the minutiae of scripture and lose sight of the entire picture. That is a tragic mistake because we miss a beautiful picture of redemptive love and salvation: God brings salvation to a sinful and fallen humanity through the Messiah.
God
The immortal, almighty, infinitely holy God of the Bible is a concept that is hard to grasp in and of itself. We can know that he exists (Romans 1:20), but without the Bible, we would be helpless to understand even a few of his attributes. As the creator, he has chosen to reveal himself to us through the Messiah.
Brings Salvation
The infinite God decided that even though I did something that displeased him, he would provide me with a means to be saved. I can enjoy an eternity with him because he made it possible. God decided to save me.
To a sinful and fallen humanity
Death is the just reward of sin, and I have sinned. Sin is simply missing the mark or doing things against God's will. Because of my sin, I need salvation. Two things about this are remarkable. First, how sinful and fallen humanity can be. Throughout history, mankind has found ways to rebel against God in seemingly new and inventive ways. But second, God has decided to make his offer regardless. It is not unconditional, but it is open to everyone.
Through the Messiah
Perhaps the most remarkable fact is the "how" of this salvation. To satisfy God's justice and holiness, a sacrifice was needed. God decided before the foundation of the world that he was going to send Jesus to be that sacrifice. "God with us" came to earth, lived perfectly, and ultimately sacrificed himself to provide me with salvation.
In the pages of the Bible, God provided us with everything we needed. Not because God needed to or because of our inherent goodness, but because he wants to have a relationship with us. I certainly like to be one to get deep into the word, but it is important to remember God's beautiful picture of salvation as often as we can.
