“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of…
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.”…
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 “Knew no sin” means mankind’s sins were charged to the account of an innocent man Jesus; who lived a perfect life, so He could be the final sacrifice in…
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6 “One God” is a central truth of the Bible. The only living God desires all (both Jews…
“My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.” Psalm 62:7 “My salvation and my honor” may be rephrased “my glorious salvation.” David’s honor and reputation rested in God’s hands just as his life and throne did. Psalm 62 is a wisdom psalm that eloquently urges silent confidence in…
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,” Philippians 1:29 Believing in Christ is more than just knowing and liking what He did for you. Believing in Christ means devotion to His purpose, which will always include suffering at the…
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 Though John uses we primarily to refer to himself and the other apostles as eyewitnesses of Christ, here the term includes all believers who confess or acknowledge sin. If a…
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 God’s Law declares that all people are guilty of sin and deserve to die. Death is the just punishment for sin. Here Paul concisely summarizes God’s reverse declaration for those in Christ: “Not…
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 The believer who “perseveres” trials demonstrates that he or she loves Jesus as Lord and Master, and therefore, “will receive the crown…
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11 “Be strong in the Lord” means to not rely on your own strength. However, “be strong” may also be translated “be made strong,” which…