How does Jesus' death save us?

Martin Luther said that as God, He could not die, so He became man in order to die. On the cross, he accepted the sin of man against Himself. As a perfectly innocent man he accepted the injustice of man against man.

The death of Christ accomplishes reconciliation, or reconnecting us back to God. Romans 3:25 says, "...whom God set forth as a propitiation" for our sins. "Propitiation" literally means "something that appeases a deity." However, in the Biblical sense it means much more than this. It can mean to "accept hurt", to "forgive", to "show mercy." As sinners we transgress God's perfect law and have no legal right to exist. But God himself who sits as Judge accepts the hurt, pays the price, forgives, and offers mercy.

If a husband should say a harsh word against his wife, and the wife does not retaliate, but lets the word fall upon her heart and crush her spirit; if she forgives and treats her husband as though he had offered only words of praise she pays the price of his sin against her.

It is this way that God pays the price of our salvation. The Bible does not say that Jesus paid a propitiation, but that He is a propitiation for our sins (Rom. 3:25, 1 John 2:2; 4:10). This means that He, being God, bears the hurt in order to give mercy and forgiveness.

The Bible has many other ways to show how God Himself bears our sinfulness in order to bring us back into fellowship with Him. The story of the prodigal son is one example (Luke 15:11-32). In this story, the father representing our Heavenly Father, accepted the son back into his home and heart even though the son had taken things that could not be restored.

This is what God is like. The cross speaks to mankind for all time. It is graphic enough to reach the most hardened criminal, as well as the most sensitive humanist. Christianity not only acknowledges the cruelty to God in the cross, but dwells on the reconciliation that was won by the cross. The Bible says: "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life" (Romans 5:10).

Christianity focuses on the loving favour God bestowed upon each one who receives the salvation of the cross. The Bible says: "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32). This means that peace with God, eternal life, and a glorious future are ours through the sacrifice of Jesus. We may never fully understand it, but we experience the peace, love, and joy that flow from the cross.

Why did Jesus die?

A part of the answer to Jesus' death lies in the fact that a just and perfect God could not simply sweep sin under the carpet and go on running a perfect universe. God must deal with the injustice of sin. Suppose a criminal should come before a judge and that judge would simply excuse a crime of murder, rape, or theft simply because the judge loved the criminal. What would society think of such a judge?
The Bible says: "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right" (Genesis 19:25). Selfishness has a natural consequence that eventually results in death to the innocent (Rom. 6:23). Jesus, the Judge, assumed the consequence of sin on the part of man, rather than inflict death upon the sinner. That consequence was death.

Millions struggle to achieve financial security—or even financial stability! What basic, foundational principles can help you manage your finances?

It seems the goal of security or stability is becoming more and more difficult to achieve. The stress of managing family finances can destroy marriages and almost drive one to the brink!

There are many claims of shortcuts to financial success, from “sure thing” investments to “get rich quick” plans. There are always people willing to try these ideas, but experience proves over and over that often the only people who make money with these schemes are the ones selling the plans!

We don’t have advice to give about investments, portfolio management or tax shelters. What we do offer is a fresh look at some of the most basic and effective principles of managing your finances from a biblical perspective.

The God who created humanity and all that exists has some advice to give us regarding debt, budgeting, the need for a generous heart and the important principle of tithing. Would you like to know what He has said about finances? 
We offer no “get rich quick” schemes, but what we do have is far more valuable—the insight your Creator has given for properly managing family finances and, in the process, eliminating much of the incredible stress financial difficulties bring. Explore the articles in this section if you would like to know more.

Who is Jesus Christ really? Some say He was a prophet; others, a charlatan or a myth. We say He was and is the Son of God Almighty. Find out why.

Many believe in Jesus of Nazareth and know what He did in the first century. He was born as the Son of God and suffered and died for our sins. But do you know what He did before His human birth? Do you know what Jesus Christ is doing now? And what He will do in the future?All He has done, even His agonizing suffering and death, loses significance for us without His promised return to establish the Kingdom of God on this earth. For as Paul said, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Corinthians 15:19).

The Bible reveals the answers to these questions and more. From the Scriptures we learn that the entire universe was created through the Divine Being who became Jesus Christ; that He is part of the Godhead but not part of a trinity, and that He is the future King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Plus, Jesus is very active right now as our High Priest.

By understanding the fullness of who Jesus is, we grasp the magnitude of His all-encompassing sacrifice and understand the purpose of His death, burial and resurrection! We invite you to delve into the Scriptures as we elaborate on the past, present and future roles of the magnificent personage known as Jesus of Nazareth.

Keeping Your Soul Alive

There is more to seminary, and the whole of the Christian life, than the necessity of pursuing daily soul survival in the Scriptures, but this need must not be overlooked. An otherwise impressive theology degree is utterly unimpressive if your soul has shriveled in the course of study.

As Christians, daily Bible intake is to our souls what breathing, eating, and drinking are to our physical bodies. As the incarnate Word himself says, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Our souls will die without the word of God....

Perfect

Perfection is a goal we should work towards. It's in the Bible, Matthew 5:48, TLB. "But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."

Perfection is a process of listening, learning, and growing with the help of Jesus. It's in the Bible, Colossians 1:28, TLB. "So everywhere we go we talk about Christ to all who will listen, warning them and teaching them as well as we know how. We want to be able to present each one to God, perfect because of what Christ has done for each of them."

Perfection will be completed in us when Jesus comes. It's in the Bible, Jude 24-25, TLB. "And now—all glory to Him who alone is God, who saves us through Jesus Christ our Lord; yes, splendor and majesty, all power and authority are His from the beginning; His they are and His they evermore shall be. And He is able to keep you from slipping and falling away, and to bring you, sinless and perfect, into His glorious presence with mighty shouts of everlasting joy."

HOPE

We have hope, knowing that we have salvation in Christ. It's in the Bible, Romans 5:1-2, NKJV. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

When discouraged put your hope in Christ. It's in the Bible, Psalm 42:11, NIV. "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him, my Savior and my God."

Love keeps hope alive and presses on. It's in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:7, NKJV. "[love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Faith is made of hope. It's in the Bible, Hebrews 11:1, NKJV. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Keep your hope in God, and you won't be disappointed. It's in the Bible, Jeremiah 17:7-8, NKJV. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fearwhen heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit"

We can find hope in God's Word. It's in the Bible, Psalm 119:114, NKJV. "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word."

Though you do not see God working, continue to hope. It's in the Bible, Romans 8:24-25, NKJV. "For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance."

Trials and tribulations bring forth character and hope. It's in the Bible, Romans 5:3-5, NKJV. "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

No matter what you have done, you can always find hope in the Lord's mercy. It's in the Bible, Lamentations 3:21-23. "This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."

Seek God, then have hope in Him. It's in the Bible, Lamentations 3:25-26, NKJV. "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD."      

We have hope beyond death in the promise of the resurrection. It's in the Bible, I Thessalonians 4:13-14, NKJV. " But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus."

God's promise of eternal life gives hope. It's in the Bible, Titus 1:2, NKJV. "in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,"

Knowing God's calling for our lives gives us hope. It's in the Bible, Ephesians 1:17-18, NKJV. "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints."

No matter how impossible or desperate a situation may seem, God has a plan of hope to give you if you let Him. It's in the Bible, Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

We have a blessed hope in the soon coming of Jesus. It's in the Bible, Titus 2:13, KJV. "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ"

About the Bible Study Reading Plan

Statistics show that most people professing faith in Jesus have never completely read their Bible. Many people start reading the Bible but then become overwhelmed by the number of chapters (1,189) and verses (31,102) there are. What we don't realize is that we can read the Bible in a year by reading fewer than four chapters a day.

By dividing the Bible into 365 daily readings, your goal of reading the Bible in a year can easily be accomplished. Here at Bible Study Tools, not only can you come and read the Bible on a daily basis, but we can help you chart your reading progress online during the year. That means you don't have to wait until the New Year -- you can start reading the Bible today.

First, just register or login so we can show you a customized Bible reading plan tracking chart. We currently have over 20 Bible reading plans so you can choose one that works right for you! The Bible in a Year reading plan contains 365 daily readings designed to help you easily read the entire Bible in just one year! Simply select your preferred Bible reading plan, the date you wish to begin reading and your preferred Bible translation. We will create your customized progress chart, and you'll be on your way! Record your Bible reading progress as you go - complete your assigned Bible reading each day and click “Finished Reading” at the top or bottom of the Bible in a Year reading page.

5 Bible Verses That Will Change Your Life if You Believe Them

We all have our favourite verses. Some of them we love because they’re comforting. Others we may have memorized for that extra boost of confidence or encouragement they provide when we really need it. 

But here are five verses that I believe would absolutely change our lives – for the better – if we really believed them.

1. Matthew 10:37 – “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” 

When it comes to the sayings of Jesus, this is one I wish wasn’t in the Bible. And I’m not alone in that. I’ve heard many young moms ask me how they can love Jesus more than their own child. And furthermore, how could God actually expect them to? Yet Jesus wasn’t suggesting that we be negligent in our concern for others. Nor was He merely suggesting that we like Him a lot. He was commanding total allegiance. The Son of God who became our Saviour demands and deserves to be first place in our hearts. 

I believe He was fleshing out the “first and greatest commandment” when He said this, and showing us what it looks like in our lives to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength”(Mark 12:30). If we really believed Jesus when He said we must love Him more than our own parents and children – more than what is closest and dearest to our hearts – our lives would look radically different in how we honour Him, sacrifice for Him, and show a daily love and devotion toward Him. 

2. Romans 8:28-29 – “All things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose…” 

Here’s one we love to quote, especially the first part of the verse. But when we look at the entire verse, along with verse 29 – “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ESV) – we get the bigger picture of what God is doing in the lives of believers when we encounter struggles. In the NASB translation, we discover that “God causes all things to work together for good” in order to make us more like Christ. When we truly believe that God not only works in, but causes events in our lives to conform us to Christ’s character, we will no longer doubt, worry, stress, or become anxious when hard times hit us. We will instead rest assured that God is at work in every situation in our lives to make us more like His Son and nothing – absolutely nothing – takes Him by surprise.  

3. Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” 

If you and I really considered ourselves crucified with Christ and our motto was “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” we’d be much less concerned about our personal image or reputation and we’d be all about Him and His concerns. When we truly die to self, we no longer worry about whether or not we’re getting respect for who we are and what we do. We wouldn’t be bothered by misunderstandings that cast us in a bad light, situations that are to our disadvantage, circumstances that humiliate us, jobs that are beneath us, or rumours that are untrue. Being crucified with Christ means His name is my name. I can live knowing He’s got my back because it’s His back. That must be what Christ meant when He said, “whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25, NIV).

4. Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” How we love this verse because it appears to be a victory chant for our ability to do anything. We perceive it as God wants me to prosper, therefore I can do all things. But in context, the Apostle Paul was saying he has learned to live in whatever circumstance God put him in. “For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (verses 11-13, NASB). 

Are you wondering if you can live on your meagre salary? Is God calling you to a ministry and you don’t know how to fund it? Are you wondering how you will persevere in your physical condition or continued diagnosis? This verse is an assurance to us that as we surrender to Christ, He will enable us to live in whatever circumstances He has called us. Next time you start to think I just can’t live like this remember you can also do all things (even endure your situation) through Him who gives you strength. 

5. James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” One of the most difficult struggles for believers is understanding why we have to struggle at all. Yet this verse packs a promise. Our testing and trials produce in us perseverance, which in turn results in our maturity and completion. In the NASB, we are told that the endurance learned through suffering will make us “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Isn’t that what we strive for? To be perfect as Christ is? Yet we can’t without His help. God’s Word tells us, straight-out, that we can be perfected in Christ Jesus when we not only endure our difficult situations, but when we actually consider them joy. If you and I really believed this, we’d be much happier at the things that continually bring us down. We’d be joyful, knowing we were on our way to maturity and completion in Christ. 

What do you think? Are you ready to start really believing these verses and living differently? The choice is yours. 

6 Encouraging Bible Verses About Help

Too many times we can feel helpless and out of control. But we can turn to the One who is fully in control and perfectly able to help in our times of need.

Psalm 46:1 

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” 

Psalm 68:6 

“God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Matthew 7:7 

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Hebrews 4:15-16 

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 13:5-6 

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Does God Need Our Praise?

Mark Altrogge has been senior pastor of Saving Grace Church of Indiana, Pennsylvania, since 1982. He has written hundreds of songs for worship, including “I Stand in Awe” and “I’m Forever Grateful.” Mark and his wife, Kristi, have five children and five grandchildren.

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