“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”(1 John 4:9, KJV)
Next in this John 3:16 revelation series, we will look at God’s sacrificial giving. God showed us example of how to give in a sacrificial manner to express love. Love is not complete until an action is taken. He gave and sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live and enjoy life (John 10:10; 1 John 4:9).
God understands the universal principle of giving. In the Old Testament of the Bible, God’s people – the Israelites, shed blood of animals to atone for sin committed, (Leviticus 4:5,13). The same way Jesus came and was offered as sacrifice for our offences towards God; however, the blood of Jesus is precious and liberating unlike that of animals; completely washing away our sins (Matthew 1:21; 1 John 1:9). The Bible says, “and she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shall call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins,” which includes the Adamic nature.
Just as a farmer plants a seed and reaps multiple seeds, so God released His precious Son for us to become joint heirs with Jesus Christ. This manner of sacrifice shows us that our lives are precious to God and He wants us to constantly fellowship with Him and live according to His original plan for mankind.
If God so loved us that He gave Jesus, how have you and I reciprocated this love? We need to look at our lives to examine our relationship with God. What is it that we have sacrificed to show that we in turn love God?
The first thing God wants from us is our life surrendering our hearts totally to Him. Jesus came to pay the price for our sins, thereby justifying us before God and establishing us in His righteousness. If you do not have any relationship with God, this is an opportunity to do so and the only way to God is Jesus Christ. Accept Him today and see your life change for good. Say this prayer of Salvation.
If you said the prayer of salvation, congratulations! You are now born again. Take a step further to fellowship with God’s people (Heb 10:25), undergo water baptism, pray always with faith and constantly feed on His word. Remember to tell someone else about the love of Jesus.
For someone reading this article, by the power in the blood of Jesus, I come against every force of darkness resisting your relationship with God in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
By: Sunday Omori
HEM Int'l 