Kyle T. White
Guest Commentary

Jesus Christ is the son of man and also the Son of God. As the Son of God, he came to earth to do the will of his father.

As the son of man, he came to do His will in the stead of human beings who couldn’t. This will included not only living a sinless life, but also taking upon himself the penalty of the guilt of sinners.

He who knew no sin was made sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor. 5:21). This was the greatest expression of love the world has ever known.

After Jesus bore the awful load of sin’s curse against those for whom he died on the cross, he was buried and then rose again from the dead. The grave could not hold him. Why? Because what he accomplished on the cross satisfied the just creator of mankind.

God could now be just and clear the guilt of the sinner for whom Christ died. Jesus Christ died as a substitute, in the place of condemned sinners.

Instead, Jesus was placed there and Barabbas went free. This is precisely what happens to every soul for whom Christ hung as a substitute. Why do we go free? Because our sins are forgiven at the cross. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses every believing sinner so that he no longer stands guilty before a holy God.

It was after Jesus Christ arose from the dead and was preparing to return to heaven to be seated at the right hand of his father that he gave instructions to his disciples (who represented the church on earth).

Jesus made it clear what he wanted them to emphasize to all the world. There were many important things that needed to be taught, but the most significant matter that Christ commissioned his church to preach to the world was “repentance and remission of sins, in his name” (Luke 24:47).

Jesus’ death and resurrection were necessary for the forgiveness of sins. But if this message is never told, there will be no remission of sins. Jesus clearly tells us that repentance precedes the remission of sins.

Only as a sinner comes to see his sinfulness will he understand his problem before a holy God and see his need of a savior. Only then will he repent (change his mind toward God and himself), turning away from all that he thought to be right before God and trusting only in the person and work of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus, the master, left a clear message of truth and hope for his people to tell the whole world. It must be preached. Don’t despise this message or the messenger. It is the message the master has told us to proclaim.

Kyle T. White is pastor of Community Baptist Church at 5697 Labus Road, No. 1, Elmendorf, Texas, 78212.