Devotions: The Reason for the Cross

and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

1 Peter 2:24 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

This is the reason Christ came. This is the reason He died: so that we would have the ability to die to our sin and live in righteousness. We can’t do that without His sacrifice. We can’t live good lives, let alone righteous lives, apart from Him. Any righteousness we have on our own is not good enough. Nothing is good enough except His blood. That is the only acceptable payment for our debt. Even our own blood will not do it, that will still get us what we deserve, eternity apart from God. Only the holy blood of Christ can wash away our sin. He paid the debt we owe. He took our punishment. How will you respond to that? Will you turn away from your sin and live in righteousness, or continue to live as you are? The answer will reveal who you love more.