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Key Bible Verse: He purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7).Bonus Reading: Romans 3:22-26

When an injury is great, as in murder or rape, forgiveness alone isn't enough. Society can't hold together if judges simply say to every murderer and rapist, "Are you sorry? Okay. The state forgives you. You may go." While a victim may have a forgiving spirit, the state can't forsake justice.

So it is with God and the universe. His glory is seriously injured when we ignore, disobey, or blaspheme Him. His justice will no more allow Him simply to set us free than a human judge can cancel all the debts that criminals owe to society. The injury done to God's glory by our sin must be repaired. If we criminals are to go free and be forgiven, there must be some dramatic demonstration that the honor of God is upheld even though former blasphemers are being set free.

That's why Christ suffered and died. Forgiveness costs us nothing. Our costly obedience is the fruit, not the root, of being forgiven. That's why we call it grace. But it cost Jesus His life. That's why we call it just. How priceless the news that God doesn't hold our sins against us! How inviting is Christ, whose blood made it right for God to do this!

—John Piper in The Passion of Jesus Christ

My Response: I'll ponder the Father's dilemma in satisfying both His absolute justice and infinite love.

Thought to Apply: It costs God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things; but to convert rebellious wills cost Him crucifixion.—C.S. LEWIS (British scholar & author)

Adapted from The Passion of Jesus Christ (Crossway, 2004) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Thank you, Father, that You accepted the Son's sacrifice as payment in full for all our sins.

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