WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:13.240 For Bibles, you can turn once again to Ephesians chapter 1. We are thinking about verse 7 as we approach Easter. 00:00:13.240 --> 00:00:29.980 ! We read in verse 7, in Him, in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us. 00:00:30.600 --> 00:00:43.359 So we're thinking about the reality that Jesus gives true freedom. When we look at this verse, the key word, the word that jumps out at us, I am sure, is the word redemption. 00:00:44.120 --> 00:00:52.439 And it's a word that belongs in the freedom family. And when we think about freedom, that's something I imagine we all want, and we all want in different ways. 00:00:52.439 --> 00:01:01.280 We value the freedom of choice or the freedom of expression. We hear people talking about the freedom to be me, and we understand. 00:01:02.539 --> 00:01:09.219 Think about in a family. As children grow older, they say, we need more freedom. That's what they want. 00:01:09.219 --> 00:01:24.099 As parents, perhaps we are tempted to say, well, you need less freedom. When we're at work, we want freedom to use our talents to avoid being micromanaged, or we want freedom from all the distractions so we can focus on the task that needs our attention. 00:01:24.099 --> 00:01:32.919 Think about our time, day to day, week to week. How often do we want simply a free day in the calendar? 00:01:32.919 --> 00:01:41.319 Maybe just a few free hours so we can see the people we want to see, perhaps to do nothing and find rest or to pursue our hobbies or our interests. 00:01:41.319 --> 00:01:57.560 Freedom matters in so many different ways. But how do we think about freedom? Often, perhaps instinctively, we think freedom is about freedom from. Freedom from rules. Freedom from authority. Freedom from demands. 00:02:00.699 --> 00:02:09.819 But is there another way to define it? What if the freedom that we're pursuing all along really isn't freedom at all? 00:02:09.819 --> 00:02:32.359 What if we're missing what true freedom really is? We were at a family wedding this weekend, and it was a beautiful day, and in the evening, there was a few kids out on the lawn, and they were having the best time stargazing, looking at the moon, spotting a satellite. 00:02:32.360 --> 00:02:37.800 And there was a sense of joy. And there was a sense of wonder. And I was talking with someone, and they were saying to me, 00:02:38.940 --> 00:02:42.660 I don't know, I don't know, the last time I looked up at the sky at night. 00:02:43.440 --> 00:02:46.980 There is wonder there, but sometimes we miss it. 00:02:47.840 --> 00:02:52.600 There is joyful wonder and freedom in the good news of Jesus. 00:02:52.599 --> 00:02:56.099 To hear this text is to hear a joy everywhere. 00:02:56.759 --> 00:03:03.599 Paul begins with thanks and praise, because in Jesus, there is the freedom to enjoy all of God's spiritual blessings. 00:03:05.159 --> 00:03:10.840 There is joyful freedom, because in Jesus, we can know the love of God as Father. 00:03:12.419 --> 00:03:17.299 There is the joy and the freedom in Jesus of discovering God's goal for the universe, 00:03:17.300 --> 00:03:21.380 that the whole universe would be united under Christ, including us. 00:03:23.140 --> 00:03:28.980 But I wonder if we've missed the magnitude of God's mercy, 00:03:29.780 --> 00:03:35.680 if we've stopped gazing with joy at the wonder of God's redemption. 00:03:36.840 --> 00:03:42.760 So today, we have a chance to slow down and to look up and to discover or to rediscover 00:03:42.759 --> 00:03:48.399 the wonderful freedom we have on offer to us in Jesus. 00:03:48.519 --> 00:03:49.639 We're going to ask three questions. 00:03:49.739 --> 00:03:51.019 We're going to ask, why do we need freedom? 00:03:51.919 --> 00:03:54.199 And we're going to think about guilt, and we're going to think about sin. 00:03:55.199 --> 00:03:57.179 We're going to ask, where do we find freedom? 00:03:58.099 --> 00:04:00.099 And we're going to go to the cross of Christ. 00:04:01.439 --> 00:04:04.560 And we're going to ask, how do we get this freedom? 00:04:05.919 --> 00:04:08.399 And we'll think together about God's grace and God's love. 00:04:08.400 --> 00:04:12.520 So why do we need freedom? 00:04:13.760 --> 00:04:19.780 This morning, we're going to borrow from a few classic movies from the 90s to help us. 00:04:19.860 --> 00:04:23.019 I don't know how many of you have seen the Truman Show. 00:04:24.019 --> 00:04:28.060 If you've seen the Truman Show, you'll know the central character is a man called Truman Burbank. 00:04:28.060 --> 00:04:33.639 And halfway through the show, he discovers that his whole life is a sham. 00:04:33.639 --> 00:04:38.819 He's been trapped in a TV show that everyone around him is an actor playing a part. 00:04:38.979 --> 00:04:44.060 And from that moment, the goal of Truman's life is to escape. 00:04:44.860 --> 00:04:47.740 And to escape Christoph. 00:04:47.919 --> 00:04:48.759 Think about that name. 00:04:49.180 --> 00:04:50.599 Christoph the director. 00:04:51.360 --> 00:04:52.919 There's freedom in escaping. 00:04:52.920 --> 00:05:00.680 Now, I would suggest that movie helpfully captures what we might think of as our default setting when it comes to freedom. 00:05:00.819 --> 00:05:03.560 Freedom is escaping the director. 00:05:03.759 --> 00:05:06.379 Freedom is escaping authority. 00:05:07.379 --> 00:05:10.060 If we go back to the book of Genesis, freedom comes. 00:05:10.439 --> 00:05:13.020 If we could just escape God and his word over us. 00:05:13.080 --> 00:05:16.139 Wasn't that the idea of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? 00:05:16.280 --> 00:05:18.020 We've been tracing it for weeks. 00:05:18.019 --> 00:05:23.859 Adam and Eve, as they listen to the serpent, they begin to doubt God's generosity. 00:05:24.639 --> 00:05:26.680 And they stop trusting God's word. 00:05:26.819 --> 00:05:28.799 And they question his love. 00:05:29.000 --> 00:05:35.859 And the root of sin is this desire to be free from the God who we don't really trust. 00:05:36.479 --> 00:05:40.019 We don't really trust loves us and has our best intentions at heart. 00:05:40.019 --> 00:05:49.500 And so there is this misguided belief if we could just break those shackles, if we could escape the TV set, then there would be freedom. 00:05:53.579 --> 00:05:59.879 Jesus in John's gospel makes a really powerful statement and I think helps us if we're thinking in these lines. 00:06:00.019 --> 00:06:01.279 He says to us, 00:06:01.279 --> 00:06:05.859 Everyone who sins doesn't find freedom. 00:06:06.899 --> 00:06:10.279 Everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 00:06:11.139 --> 00:06:19.019 And it could be that in pursuing a false view of freedom, we're actually selling ourselves to that which would destroy us. 00:06:21.019 --> 00:06:25.899 Mercifully, Jesus continued, but if the Son sets you free, then you're free indeed. 00:06:25.899 --> 00:06:36.099 So when we come to Ephesians chapter 1 verse 7 and we come to this idea of redemption, the big idea, first of all, is that you and I, we need redemption. 00:06:38.000 --> 00:06:42.259 The picture is a biblical picture of someone who has been sold into slavery. 00:06:43.060 --> 00:06:49.000 For some reason, got into a debt that we cannot pay off and cannot break free from. 00:06:49.000 --> 00:06:53.319 And the only way to be delivered is by the payment of a price. 00:06:53.579 --> 00:06:55.539 A price that will be paid by another. 00:06:56.859 --> 00:07:00.739 The classic Old Testament redemption story is the book of Exodus. 00:07:01.199 --> 00:07:05.459 And in the book of Exodus, we find that Israel as a nation, they are slaves. 00:07:06.159 --> 00:07:09.239 And the wonderful truth is that God himself will deliver. 00:07:09.379 --> 00:07:11.319 He will send Moses as mediator. 00:07:11.579 --> 00:07:17.639 And the price that will be paid is the price of the Passover lamb to ensure the freedom of God's people. 00:07:19.219 --> 00:07:23.459 So when we hear the word redemption, it reminds us that we need freedom. 00:07:23.459 --> 00:07:27.639 But maybe it makes us ask the question, well, what does this have to do with us? 00:07:27.719 --> 00:07:29.060 I've never been a slave. 00:07:29.159 --> 00:07:29.979 I've not been sold. 00:07:30.079 --> 00:07:31.219 I feel quite free. 00:07:33.259 --> 00:07:39.939 To help us to understand what Paul says, there's a second idea within verse 7 that we need to recognize. 00:07:40.639 --> 00:07:43.539 Verse 7, in him we have redemption through his blood. 00:07:43.540 --> 00:07:45.780 How does that redemption come? 00:07:45.780 --> 00:07:52.760 Through the forgiveness of sins or literally the forgiveness of our trespasses. 00:07:52.759 --> 00:07:58.759 So moving from the idea of being sold into slavery to the idea of trespass. 00:07:59.620 --> 00:08:02.079 So we're familiar, I think, with the idea of trespassing. 00:08:04.219 --> 00:08:07.860 There is a portion of land or a site that is private. 00:08:07.959 --> 00:08:13.039 And if we cross over the boundary line, then we are in forbidden territory. 00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:14.779 That might be a farmer's field. 00:08:15.240 --> 00:08:17.519 It might be a secret government site. 00:08:17.519 --> 00:08:20.120 You might see warning signs. 00:08:20.740 --> 00:08:23.180 Trespassers will be prosecuted. 00:08:25.759 --> 00:08:27.500 Keep that image in your head. 00:08:28.500 --> 00:08:33.939 What is the line that we cross when we sin? 00:08:36.659 --> 00:08:39.899 The line that we step over is the line of God's law. 00:08:39.899 --> 00:08:44.799 Like Adam and Eve who ate the forbidden fruit. 00:08:45.740 --> 00:08:49.399 We trespass when we do what God forbids. 00:08:49.500 --> 00:08:51.319 God says no and we say yes. 00:08:52.379 --> 00:08:55.980 And we trespass when we fail to do what God commands. 00:08:56.179 --> 00:08:59.059 God says yes and we say no. 00:09:00.980 --> 00:09:04.439 Think about the summary that Jesus gave of God's law. 00:09:04.539 --> 00:09:07.799 We are to love God all the time, all the way. 00:09:07.799 --> 00:09:13.279 And when we fail, when we ignore God in His world, 00:09:13.859 --> 00:09:16.199 when we reject His rule over us, 00:09:16.240 --> 00:09:19.159 when we give our hearts to other things, 00:09:19.259 --> 00:09:22.159 when we don't honor His name or honor His day, 00:09:22.459 --> 00:09:24.419 we are guilty of sin. 00:09:25.259 --> 00:09:27.099 We are liable to prosecution. 00:09:27.779 --> 00:09:32.159 We have trespassed against God and His law. 00:09:33.620 --> 00:09:36.240 Back again to Jesus' summary of the law. 00:09:36.240 --> 00:09:38.180 We are not only to love God, 00:09:38.259 --> 00:09:41.180 we are to love our neighbor as ourself. 00:09:41.340 --> 00:09:43.000 And so when we fail, 00:09:44.120 --> 00:09:45.139 when we disrespect, 00:09:46.039 --> 00:09:47.879 or when we snub the other person, 00:09:47.960 --> 00:09:50.399 when we despise and dishonor them 00:09:50.399 --> 00:09:52.720 in our hearts or with our words, 00:09:53.799 --> 00:09:56.299 in our lust or in our lies, 00:09:56.580 --> 00:09:59.700 in our anger, our envy, and our pride, 00:09:59.960 --> 00:10:03.399 again we become liable to judgment. 00:10:03.399 --> 00:10:06.759 We have trespassed. 00:10:07.279 --> 00:10:08.399 We become slaves. 00:10:09.899 --> 00:10:11.840 And because God is God, 00:10:13.179 --> 00:10:16.899 He is both the King who has ultimate authority over us, 00:10:17.439 --> 00:10:20.439 but He is also the righteous judge 00:10:20.439 --> 00:10:23.019 who cannot simply turn a blind eye to sin, 00:10:23.819 --> 00:10:26.720 and He is also the holy God 00:10:26.720 --> 00:10:30.139 who hates sin and its effects 00:10:30.139 --> 00:10:32.460 in our lives and in our world. 00:10:34.460 --> 00:10:35.740 So when I sin, 00:10:36.779 --> 00:10:37.639 when you sin, 00:10:38.720 --> 00:10:41.059 we trespass against God's command, 00:10:42.159 --> 00:10:44.740 or we pile up a moral debt 00:10:44.740 --> 00:10:46.059 that we cannot repay. 00:10:46.059 --> 00:10:48.059 In a spiritual sense, 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:50.100 we become slaves 00:10:50.100 --> 00:10:51.799 because of the guilt 00:10:51.799 --> 00:10:53.299 of our sin. 00:10:53.299 --> 00:11:00.199 In response to that one common answer 00:11:00.199 --> 00:11:02.079 that people might give, 00:11:02.139 --> 00:11:03.259 perhaps we might give, 00:11:03.339 --> 00:11:03.719 is to say, 00:11:03.899 --> 00:11:03.899 00:11:05.120 --> 00:11:06.399 but I'm basically 00:11:06.399 --> 00:11:08.399 a good person. 00:11:10.199 --> 00:11:12.059 I feel like looking back on my life, 00:11:12.179 --> 00:11:13.120 my good deeds, 00:11:13.240 --> 00:11:15.139 they outweigh my bad deeds. 00:11:15.799 --> 00:11:18.000 I feel like I've been a pretty good family member, 00:11:18.159 --> 00:11:18.719 a good neighbor, 00:11:18.879 --> 00:11:19.659 a good citizen. 00:11:19.659 --> 00:11:22.199 Surely God will accept me. 00:11:22.200 --> 00:11:26.259 If you're here today, 00:11:26.340 --> 00:11:28.500 and that's what you think Christianity is, 00:11:28.540 --> 00:11:29.840 if you're trying really hard 00:11:29.840 --> 00:11:31.200 to prove yourself to God, 00:11:31.300 --> 00:11:33.000 or maybe you're new to Christianity, 00:11:33.259 --> 00:11:33.879 and you're wondering, 00:11:34.060 --> 00:11:34.920 is it some kind of 00:11:34.920 --> 00:11:37.040 moral self-improvement religion? 00:11:38.320 --> 00:11:38.680 And again, 00:11:38.720 --> 00:11:40.780 we need to hear what God says, 00:11:41.600 --> 00:11:42.800 because according to God, 00:11:42.860 --> 00:11:44.100 it is folly. 00:11:45.740 --> 00:11:46.740 No mere human 00:11:46.740 --> 00:11:49.040 can perfectly keep God's law. 00:11:49.039 --> 00:11:51.939 And recognize, too, 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:53.799 that it's not true. 00:11:53.939 --> 00:11:54.959 It's not true to say 00:11:54.959 --> 00:11:55.599 that our good deeds 00:11:55.599 --> 00:11:56.799 can ever outweigh our bad deeds, 00:11:56.860 --> 00:11:58.519 because even our best efforts, 00:11:58.899 --> 00:11:59.799 the Bible says, 00:11:59.980 --> 00:12:01.279 they still have defects. 00:12:02.579 --> 00:12:04.299 The best thing that I do 00:12:04.299 --> 00:12:06.159 if I'm not truly honoring God 00:12:06.159 --> 00:12:06.919 with my heart, 00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:08.019 still sin. 00:12:08.779 --> 00:12:10.899 If I don't seek God's glory 00:12:10.899 --> 00:12:12.439 where I seek to be a good neighbor, 00:12:12.539 --> 00:12:13.659 the Bible says it's still sin. 00:12:14.500 --> 00:12:16.779 Whatever does not proceed from faith 00:12:16.779 --> 00:12:18.720 is sin. 00:12:21.039 --> 00:12:22.600 And as importantly, 00:12:23.399 --> 00:12:24.959 we need to understand 00:12:24.959 --> 00:12:27.059 that trying to make our good deeds 00:12:27.059 --> 00:12:28.240 outweigh our bad deeds, 00:12:28.339 --> 00:12:29.879 that has never been 00:12:29.879 --> 00:12:31.079 and will never be 00:12:31.079 --> 00:12:32.659 God's way to save anybody. 00:12:33.699 --> 00:12:35.079 Salvation does not come 00:12:35.079 --> 00:12:36.759 from balancing the records 00:12:36.759 --> 00:12:37.559 and the scales. 00:12:38.339 --> 00:12:39.579 Salvation comes from 00:12:39.579 --> 00:12:41.039 cancelling the record 00:12:41.039 --> 00:12:42.039 at the cross. 00:12:42.839 --> 00:12:44.839 And that's what Jesus came to do. 00:12:44.840 --> 00:12:47.840 And that's the fundamental freedom 00:12:48.399 --> 00:12:50.840 that you and I all need. 00:12:53.000 --> 00:12:54.360 So having said that, 00:12:54.440 --> 00:12:55.220 let's ask ourselves 00:12:55.220 --> 00:12:56.639 a second question, 00:12:56.800 --> 00:12:57.240 and it's this, 00:12:57.320 --> 00:12:59.840 where do we find this freedom? 00:13:01.840 --> 00:13:02.700 Just to continue 00:13:02.700 --> 00:13:03.560 with a couple of different 00:13:03.560 --> 00:13:04.420 90s movies, 00:13:04.879 --> 00:13:05.840 think about Braveheart. 00:13:07.000 --> 00:13:07.899 If you've seen Braveheart, 00:13:07.980 --> 00:13:09.000 think about that famous 00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:10.019 battle speech 00:13:10.019 --> 00:13:11.660 of Mel Gibson 00:13:11.660 --> 00:13:13.160 slash William Wallace 00:13:13.159 --> 00:13:14.860 as they're about to face 00:13:14.860 --> 00:13:17.139 the army of England. 00:13:19.419 --> 00:13:21.579 Freedom for the land, 00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:24.659 freedom for the people, 00:13:25.799 --> 00:13:27.219 will require 00:13:27.219 --> 00:13:28.899 courage 00:13:28.899 --> 00:13:30.719 and cost 00:13:30.719 --> 00:13:33.799 and bloody sacrifice. 00:13:33.799 --> 00:13:38.059 saving Private Ryan, 00:13:39.059 --> 00:13:40.299 which tells the story 00:13:40.299 --> 00:13:41.879 of a U.S. squadron 00:13:41.879 --> 00:13:43.579 sent to rescue 00:13:43.579 --> 00:13:44.879 said Private Ryan 00:13:44.879 --> 00:13:45.859 from the heat 00:13:45.859 --> 00:13:47.120 of World War II 00:13:47.120 --> 00:13:48.179 to bring him home 00:13:48.179 --> 00:13:48.859 to his mother. 00:13:48.979 --> 00:13:49.939 She'd already lost 00:13:49.939 --> 00:13:51.620 all his brothers. 00:13:51.859 --> 00:13:53.579 And freedom for Private Ryan 00:13:53.579 --> 00:13:54.299 in that movie 00:13:54.299 --> 00:13:56.079 came as many 00:13:56.079 --> 00:13:57.359 of that squadron 00:13:57.359 --> 00:13:58.620 died on their 00:13:58.620 --> 00:13:59.699 rescue mission. 00:13:59.899 --> 00:14:00.439 And again, 00:14:01.039 --> 00:14:01.620 sacrifice 00:14:01.620 --> 00:14:02.820 and cost 00:14:02.820 --> 00:14:04.440 brings freedom. 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:06.259 It's a theme 00:14:06.259 --> 00:14:07.080 that plays through 00:14:07.080 --> 00:14:07.820 so many 00:14:07.820 --> 00:14:09.200 of our stories 00:14:09.200 --> 00:14:10.240 and it is 00:14:10.240 --> 00:14:11.639 right at the heart 00:14:11.639 --> 00:14:13.019 of Christian faith. 00:14:14.139 --> 00:14:15.120 At the heart 00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:16.220 of Christianity 00:14:16.220 --> 00:14:17.360 is freedom 00:14:17.360 --> 00:14:18.179 that comes 00:14:18.179 --> 00:14:19.639 through costly 00:14:19.639 --> 00:14:20.799 sacrifice. 00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:21.500 And the one 00:14:21.500 --> 00:14:22.539 who sacrifices 00:14:22.539 --> 00:14:23.600 is Jesus, 00:14:23.960 --> 00:14:25.080 the Son of God, 00:14:25.139 --> 00:14:26.460 in order to be 00:14:26.460 --> 00:14:28.259 our Redeemer. 00:14:28.259 --> 00:14:28.379 forever. 00:14:29.600 --> 00:14:30.019 That's why 00:14:30.019 --> 00:14:31.179 the note 00:14:31.179 --> 00:14:32.700 of this section 00:14:32.700 --> 00:14:33.460 is so full 00:14:33.460 --> 00:14:34.399 of praise 00:14:34.399 --> 00:14:35.700 and joy. 00:14:37.360 --> 00:14:38.200 So look back 00:14:38.200 --> 00:14:38.759 with me again 00:14:38.759 --> 00:14:39.419 at verse 7 00:14:39.419 --> 00:14:39.919 and notice 00:14:39.919 --> 00:14:40.519 these two 00:14:40.519 --> 00:14:41.460 little phrases. 00:14:41.679 --> 00:14:42.139 First of all, 00:14:42.200 --> 00:14:43.439 it's in Him, 00:14:43.559 --> 00:14:44.519 it's in Christ 00:14:44.519 --> 00:14:45.399 we have redemption 00:14:45.399 --> 00:14:46.899 and then notice 00:14:46.899 --> 00:14:47.860 we have redemption 00:14:47.860 --> 00:14:50.600 through His blood. 00:14:50.819 --> 00:14:52.240 So it's in Him, 00:14:52.319 --> 00:14:52.919 in Christ 00:14:52.919 --> 00:14:53.539 we have redemption. 00:14:53.700 --> 00:14:54.500 So this is the idea 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:55.019 that we find 00:14:55.019 --> 00:14:55.519 in the Bible 00:14:55.519 --> 00:14:57.000 of union, 00:14:57.179 --> 00:14:57.980 being united 00:14:57.980 --> 00:14:58.460 with Christ, 00:14:58.519 --> 00:14:58.960 with the idea 00:14:58.960 --> 00:14:59.539 of Christ 00:14:59.539 --> 00:15:00.879 as our representative. 00:15:01.199 --> 00:15:01.439 And again, 00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:01.980 this is something 00:15:01.980 --> 00:15:03.100 we're familiar with. 00:15:03.899 --> 00:15:05.079 We're familiar with it 00:15:05.079 --> 00:15:05.620 in the world 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:06.500 of politics. 00:15:06.960 --> 00:15:07.819 The Prime Minister 00:15:07.819 --> 00:15:09.500 signs a peace treaty 00:15:09.500 --> 00:15:11.220 and a whole nation 00:15:11.220 --> 00:15:12.519 enjoys that peace. 00:15:13.699 --> 00:15:15.039 Or a sports team 00:15:15.039 --> 00:15:16.319 wins a trophy 00:15:16.319 --> 00:15:18.240 and every supporter 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:19.059 of that team 00:15:19.059 --> 00:15:20.819 shares in the victory. 00:15:20.820 --> 00:15:23.520 This idea 00:15:23.520 --> 00:15:24.540 of representation 00:15:24.540 --> 00:15:25.480 matters 00:15:25.480 --> 00:15:26.540 because what Jesus, 00:15:26.780 --> 00:15:27.580 our head, 00:15:27.840 --> 00:15:30.000 does as our Redeemer 00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:31.760 is ours 00:15:31.760 --> 00:15:33.640 as His body. 00:15:35.160 --> 00:15:36.280 And what Paul 00:15:36.280 --> 00:15:37.180 is telling us here 00:15:37.180 --> 00:15:37.940 is that Jesus, 00:15:38.300 --> 00:15:39.320 our representative, 00:15:40.040 --> 00:15:41.340 He frees us 00:15:41.340 --> 00:15:42.940 from our debt 00:15:42.940 --> 00:15:43.900 of sin. 00:15:46.400 --> 00:15:47.180 Remember, 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:48.400 we are sold 00:15:48.400 --> 00:15:49.220 as slaves 00:15:49.220 --> 00:15:50.160 because of our guilt 00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:50.839 and Jesus 00:15:50.839 --> 00:15:52.819 comes to represent us, 00:15:52.879 --> 00:15:53.600 to free us 00:15:53.600 --> 00:15:54.860 from our debt 00:15:54.860 --> 00:15:55.279 of sin 00:15:55.279 --> 00:15:57.240 by taking our guilt 00:15:57.240 --> 00:15:58.240 on Himself, 00:15:58.539 --> 00:16:00.120 by taking the liability 00:16:00.120 --> 00:16:01.699 on Himself. 00:16:03.579 --> 00:16:04.019 Now, 00:16:04.059 --> 00:16:05.039 maybe we're really 00:16:05.039 --> 00:16:06.019 used to that idea, 00:16:06.120 --> 00:16:06.759 but let's just think 00:16:06.759 --> 00:16:07.839 personally about it 00:16:07.839 --> 00:16:08.419 for a moment. 00:16:11.319 --> 00:16:12.500 Think with me 00:16:12.500 --> 00:16:14.399 of the worst sins 00:16:14.399 --> 00:16:16.899 that you have been 00:16:16.899 --> 00:16:17.679 guilty of. 00:16:17.679 --> 00:16:20.739 think for a moment 00:16:20.739 --> 00:16:21.779 about the most 00:16:21.779 --> 00:16:23.939 shameful words 00:16:23.939 --> 00:16:25.319 or actions 00:16:25.319 --> 00:16:27.459 of your life. 00:16:29.819 --> 00:16:31.319 Even just scan 00:16:31.319 --> 00:16:31.979 through the last 00:16:31.979 --> 00:16:32.739 seven days 00:16:32.739 --> 00:16:33.459 and think about 00:16:33.459 --> 00:16:34.419 those moments 00:16:34.419 --> 00:16:35.559 of regret. 00:16:38.359 --> 00:16:39.799 And then hear 00:16:39.799 --> 00:16:41.139 Jesus say, 00:16:41.719 --> 00:16:43.159 place all of those 00:16:43.159 --> 00:16:44.959 sins on me. 00:16:44.960 --> 00:16:47.580 I will be regarded 00:16:47.580 --> 00:16:48.840 for you 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:50.740 as the worst 00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:51.560 sinner 00:16:51.560 --> 00:16:53.220 who ever lived. 00:16:54.120 --> 00:16:54.720 I will take 00:16:54.720 --> 00:16:56.220 all of your guilt. 00:16:58.019 --> 00:16:58.960 We heard 00:16:58.960 --> 00:17:01.139 Colossians chapter 2, 00:17:01.259 --> 00:17:01.879 the assurance 00:17:01.879 --> 00:17:02.860 of our forgiveness, 00:17:03.019 --> 00:17:04.019 and there's a wonderful 00:17:04.019 --> 00:17:05.079 image there 00:17:05.079 --> 00:17:06.700 of there being 00:17:06.700 --> 00:17:08.420 a written record 00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:10.700 of all our 00:17:10.700 --> 00:17:12.380 moral and spiritual 00:17:12.380 --> 00:17:13.840 debt before God. 00:17:13.839 --> 00:17:13.919 God. 00:17:15.119 --> 00:17:16.159 And as Jesus 00:17:16.159 --> 00:17:17.259 dies on the cross, 00:17:17.359 --> 00:17:18.779 that record of debt 00:17:18.779 --> 00:17:19.839 is nailed 00:17:19.839 --> 00:17:21.279 to the cross 00:17:21.279 --> 00:17:22.299 as Christ 00:17:22.299 --> 00:17:23.039 is nailed 00:17:23.039 --> 00:17:23.879 to the cross. 00:17:24.659 --> 00:17:25.539 And Paul's 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:26.379 message is 00:17:26.379 --> 00:17:27.139 that Jesus 00:17:27.139 --> 00:17:28.379 endures 00:17:28.379 --> 00:17:30.099 the condemnation 00:17:30.099 --> 00:17:31.339 that we deserve 00:17:31.339 --> 00:17:33.240 so that we 00:17:33.240 --> 00:17:34.519 can receive 00:17:34.519 --> 00:17:35.799 salvation 00:17:35.799 --> 00:17:37.519 from Jesus, 00:17:39.019 --> 00:17:39.519 our 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:40.619 representative 00:17:40.619 --> 00:17:42.339 who takes 00:17:42.339 --> 00:17:42.879 our guilt 00:17:42.879 --> 00:17:43.419 and gives 00:17:43.419 --> 00:17:43.839 us his 00:17:43.839 --> 00:17:44.379 righteousness. 00:17:45.099 --> 00:17:45.579 And the 00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:46.199 effect of 00:17:46.199 --> 00:17:46.939 Jesus dying 00:17:46.939 --> 00:17:47.579 on the cross 00:17:47.579 --> 00:17:47.919 for us 00:17:47.919 --> 00:17:48.500 is that our 00:17:48.500 --> 00:17:49.500 record is 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:50.559 ripped up 00:17:50.559 --> 00:17:52.019 because the 00:17:52.019 --> 00:17:52.579 payment is 00:17:52.579 --> 00:17:53.059 made in 00:17:53.059 --> 00:17:54.079 full and 00:17:54.079 --> 00:17:54.659 it will never 00:17:54.659 --> 00:17:55.419 be asked 00:17:55.419 --> 00:17:56.399 of us. 00:17:56.779 --> 00:17:57.379 When I 00:17:57.379 --> 00:17:58.399 trust in 00:17:58.399 --> 00:17:58.779 Jesus, 00:17:58.899 --> 00:17:59.259 when you 00:17:59.259 --> 00:18:00.039 trust in 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:00.379 Jesus, 00:18:00.639 --> 00:18:01.119 you are 00:18:01.119 --> 00:18:02.179 totally free 00:18:02.179 --> 00:18:03.139 from any 00:18:03.139 --> 00:18:04.419 condemnation. 00:18:04.939 --> 00:18:05.899 In Christ 00:18:05.899 --> 00:18:06.479 Jesus, 00:18:06.959 --> 00:18:07.739 you will never 00:18:07.740 --> 00:18:08.559 experience 00:18:08.559 --> 00:18:09.140 God's 00:18:09.140 --> 00:18:09.880 justice 00:18:09.880 --> 00:18:11.019 against you 00:18:11.019 --> 00:18:12.059 because it 00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:12.460 was fully 00:18:12.460 --> 00:18:12.880 met in 00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:13.160 Jesus. 00:18:15.380 --> 00:18:16.019 That's what 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:16.440 it means to 00:18:16.440 --> 00:18:16.960 be in 00:18:16.960 --> 00:18:17.380 Him. 00:18:17.500 --> 00:18:18.279 In Him, 00:18:19.240 --> 00:18:19.880 when He is 00:18:19.880 --> 00:18:20.640 our representative, 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:21.120 when we're 00:18:21.120 --> 00:18:21.819 united to 00:18:21.819 --> 00:18:22.240 Him by 00:18:22.240 --> 00:18:22.660 faith, 00:18:22.900 --> 00:18:23.339 what is 00:18:23.339 --> 00:18:23.859 true of 00:18:23.859 --> 00:18:24.579 Jesus is 00:18:24.579 --> 00:18:25.120 true for 00:18:25.120 --> 00:18:25.779 us as 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:26.400 His people. 00:18:27.579 --> 00:18:28.319 So when 00:18:28.319 --> 00:18:29.220 Jesus dies 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:29.839 for sin, 00:18:30.099 --> 00:18:30.839 we are to 00:18:30.839 --> 00:18:31.559 reckon and 00:18:31.559 --> 00:18:32.720 regard ourselves 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:33.339 as having 00:18:33.339 --> 00:18:33.900 died to 00:18:33.900 --> 00:18:34.440 sin too. 00:18:35.720 --> 00:18:36.880 As justice 00:18:36.880 --> 00:18:37.980 is satisfied 00:18:37.980 --> 00:18:38.800 against our 00:18:38.800 --> 00:18:39.520 sin as it's 00:18:39.520 --> 00:18:40.240 placed on 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:40.740 Jesus at 00:18:40.740 --> 00:18:41.240 the cross, 00:18:41.560 --> 00:18:42.800 our debt 00:18:42.800 --> 00:18:44.020 is cancelled. 00:18:46.040 --> 00:18:47.060 When Jesus 00:18:47.060 --> 00:18:48.180 is raised to 00:18:48.180 --> 00:18:48.880 new life, 00:18:49.340 --> 00:18:49.680 we, 00:18:50.160 --> 00:18:50.760 with Him, 00:18:50.920 --> 00:18:51.940 are justified 00:18:51.940 --> 00:18:52.760 and not 00:18:52.760 --> 00:18:53.700 condemned and 00:18:53.700 --> 00:18:54.500 we enjoy 00:18:54.500 --> 00:18:55.900 resurrection life 00:18:55.900 --> 00:18:56.360 with Him. 00:18:57.600 --> 00:18:58.300 And that's 00:18:58.300 --> 00:18:58.700 why we can 00:18:58.700 --> 00:18:59.120 say you can 00:18:59.120 --> 00:19:00.120 find freedom, 00:19:00.940 --> 00:19:01.740 God's freedom, 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:03.140 at the cross 00:19:03.140 --> 00:19:04.480 of Christ. 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:06.320 It's in 00:19:06.320 --> 00:19:06.700 Him. 00:19:06.880 --> 00:19:07.500 we have 00:19:07.500 --> 00:19:08.000 redemption. 00:19:08.600 --> 00:19:09.080 But the 00:19:09.080 --> 00:19:10.060 second phrase 00:19:10.060 --> 00:19:12.580 backs this 00:19:12.580 --> 00:19:12.860 up, 00:19:12.900 --> 00:19:13.260 doesn't it? 00:19:13.320 --> 00:19:13.940 In Him we 00:19:13.940 --> 00:19:14.780 have redemption 00:19:14.780 --> 00:19:16.080 through His 00:19:16.080 --> 00:19:16.580 blood. 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:17.420 Because that 00:19:17.420 --> 00:19:18.280 really underlines 00:19:18.280 --> 00:19:18.860 what is the 00:19:18.860 --> 00:19:21.000 cost for us 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:21.500 to be free? 00:19:21.600 --> 00:19:22.240 What's the 00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:23.180 price that is 00:19:23.180 --> 00:19:23.560 paid? 00:19:24.720 --> 00:19:25.060 And the 00:19:25.060 --> 00:19:25.700 price that is 00:19:25.700 --> 00:19:27.180 paid is the 00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:27.900 precious blood 00:19:27.900 --> 00:19:28.360 of the Lord 00:19:28.360 --> 00:19:29.120 Jesus Christ. 00:19:31.220 --> 00:19:32.100 That to be 00:19:32.100 --> 00:19:32.820 saved and to 00:19:32.820 --> 00:19:33.820 enjoy freedom 00:19:33.820 --> 00:19:34.780 for us 00:19:34.779 --> 00:19:36.119 means being 00:19:36.119 --> 00:19:36.799 saved by 00:19:36.799 --> 00:19:37.559 sacrifice. 00:19:39.839 --> 00:19:40.740 Jesus dies 00:19:40.740 --> 00:19:41.359 in our place 00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:42.180 to cover over 00:19:42.180 --> 00:19:42.799 and cancel 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:43.319 our sin. 00:19:43.379 --> 00:19:43.759 Now what do 00:19:43.759 --> 00:19:44.279 you think 00:19:44.279 --> 00:19:44.720 about when 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:45.220 you hear 00:19:45.220 --> 00:19:45.680 the word 00:19:45.680 --> 00:19:46.119 sin? 00:19:48.740 --> 00:19:49.440 Sometimes we 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:49.759 might think 00:19:49.759 --> 00:19:50.180 it's out of 00:19:50.180 --> 00:19:50.379 date. 00:19:51.099 --> 00:19:51.660 Perhaps we 00:19:51.660 --> 00:19:52.099 hear it and 00:19:52.099 --> 00:19:52.599 sometimes it 00:19:52.599 --> 00:19:53.220 comes across 00:19:53.220 --> 00:19:53.920 as offensive. 00:19:56.039 --> 00:19:56.700 Sometimes we 00:19:56.700 --> 00:19:57.339 want to limit 00:19:57.339 --> 00:19:58.160 it and justify 00:19:58.160 --> 00:19:58.480 ourselves, 00:19:58.559 --> 00:19:58.839 well I'm not 00:19:58.839 --> 00:19:59.240 doing any 00:19:59.240 --> 00:19:59.759 worse than 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:00.160 others. 00:20:00.160 --> 00:20:01.600 We're not 00:20:01.600 --> 00:20:02.060 guilty of 00:20:02.060 --> 00:20:02.720 any gross 00:20:02.720 --> 00:20:03.580 immorality. 00:20:06.840 --> 00:20:07.519 What does 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:08.120 God think 00:20:08.120 --> 00:20:08.660 about sin 00:20:08.660 --> 00:20:08.920 though? 00:20:10.840 --> 00:20:11.500 Do we 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:12.460 understand that 00:20:12.460 --> 00:20:13.720 God thinks 00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:14.340 that all 00:20:14.340 --> 00:20:15.860 sin is 00:20:15.860 --> 00:20:16.660 infinitely 00:20:16.660 --> 00:20:17.380 offensive 00:20:17.380 --> 00:20:19.460 against an 00:20:19.460 --> 00:20:20.420 infinitely holy 00:20:20.420 --> 00:20:20.820 God? 00:20:23.460 --> 00:20:24.279 Those sins 00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:24.820 that we write 00:20:24.820 --> 00:20:25.800 off as small, 00:20:26.800 --> 00:20:27.160 well maybe 00:20:27.160 --> 00:20:27.519 they didn't 00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:28.120 harm anyone 00:20:28.120 --> 00:20:28.560 else, it was 00:20:28.560 --> 00:20:29.040 just in my 00:20:29.040 --> 00:20:29.600 thoughts. 00:20:30.160 --> 00:20:31.480 Never a 00:20:31.480 --> 00:20:32.220 small thing, 00:20:32.820 --> 00:20:33.519 but always 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:34.080 an act of 00:20:34.080 --> 00:20:35.080 cosmic treason. 00:20:37.660 --> 00:20:38.640 It's turning 00:20:38.640 --> 00:20:39.400 our back on 00:20:39.400 --> 00:20:41.120 God or 00:20:41.120 --> 00:20:41.720 positively 00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:42.480 shaking our 00:20:42.480 --> 00:20:43.259 fist at the 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:43.779 God of the 00:20:43.779 --> 00:20:44.160 universe. 00:20:47.060 --> 00:20:47.540 Sin is 00:20:47.540 --> 00:20:48.080 serious, 00:20:48.940 --> 00:20:49.460 and sin is 00:20:49.460 --> 00:20:49.960 worthy of 00:20:49.960 --> 00:20:50.259 death. 00:20:52.620 --> 00:20:53.060 The cross 00:20:53.060 --> 00:20:53.580 shows us 00:20:53.580 --> 00:20:55.340 that, but 00:20:55.340 --> 00:20:56.140 wonderfully the 00:20:56.140 --> 00:20:56.740 cross also 00:20:56.740 --> 00:20:57.300 shows us 00:20:57.300 --> 00:20:58.040 God's mercy 00:20:58.040 --> 00:20:59.160 because it's 00:20:59.160 --> 00:20:59.820 the blood of 00:20:59.819 --> 00:21:00.559 the Son of 00:21:00.559 --> 00:21:01.299 God which 00:21:01.299 --> 00:21:02.039 is spilled. 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:04.319 Think about 00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:04.899 that for a 00:21:04.899 --> 00:21:05.200 moment. 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:06.779 Who stands 00:21:06.779 --> 00:21:07.139 in our 00:21:07.139 --> 00:21:08.379 place, whose 00:21:08.379 --> 00:21:09.039 blood is 00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:09.559 shed? 00:21:11.299 --> 00:21:12.019 It's the 00:21:12.019 --> 00:21:12.740 Son of God. 00:21:13.200 --> 00:21:13.899 And it's the 00:21:13.899 --> 00:21:15.079 infinite worth 00:21:15.079 --> 00:21:16.200 of Christ 00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:16.879 Jesus and 00:21:16.879 --> 00:21:17.899 His blood 00:21:17.899 --> 00:21:19.000 that covers 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:19.980 the infinite 00:21:19.980 --> 00:21:21.839 offense of 00:21:21.839 --> 00:21:22.519 our sin. 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:23.980 God's 00:21:23.980 --> 00:21:24.960 God's 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:24.960 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:24.960 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:24.960 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:25.460 love. 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:25.460 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:25.859 love 00:21:25.859 --> 00:21:26.339 falls on 00:21:26.339 --> 00:21:28.480 Him so 00:21:28.480 --> 00:21:28.740 that when 00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:29.079 we are 00:21:29.079 --> 00:21:29.639 covered by 00:21:29.639 --> 00:21:30.339 His blood, 00:21:30.639 --> 00:21:31.279 it's God's 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:32.400 mercy and 00:21:32.400 --> 00:21:33.180 God's love 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:34.200 that falls 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:34.779 on us. 00:21:36.460 --> 00:21:37.440 That's why we 00:21:37.440 --> 00:21:38.420 celebrate God's 00:21:38.420 --> 00:21:39.319 freedom through 00:21:39.319 --> 00:21:40.160 Jesus. 00:21:40.359 --> 00:21:40.920 If you're here 00:21:40.920 --> 00:21:41.379 today, 00:21:42.539 --> 00:21:43.059 you're not a 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:43.359 Christian. 00:21:43.359 --> 00:21:45.119 I wonder if 00:21:45.119 --> 00:21:45.759 you ever feel 00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:46.379 a sense of 00:21:46.379 --> 00:21:47.099 guilt, perhaps 00:21:47.099 --> 00:21:47.439 in your 00:21:47.439 --> 00:21:47.979 conscience, 00:21:49.659 --> 00:21:50.599 perhaps fearful 00:21:50.599 --> 00:21:51.539 at the mention 00:21:51.539 --> 00:21:53.000 of God and 00:21:53.000 --> 00:21:53.659 the idea of 00:21:53.659 --> 00:21:54.459 God's judgment. 00:21:56.439 --> 00:21:57.139 Maybe you're 00:21:57.139 --> 00:21:57.699 here today and 00:21:57.699 --> 00:21:58.359 you sense that 00:21:58.359 --> 00:21:58.859 something is 00:21:58.859 --> 00:21:59.399 missing, there's 00:21:59.399 --> 00:21:59.919 something that 00:21:59.919 --> 00:22:00.359 you need. 00:22:02.579 --> 00:22:03.379 Today there is 00:22:03.379 --> 00:22:04.259 an invitation to 00:22:04.259 --> 00:22:05.319 come to 00:22:05.319 --> 00:22:05.699 Jesus, 00:22:05.700 --> 00:22:05.940 Jesus, 00:22:06.840 --> 00:22:08.039 to look to 00:22:08.039 --> 00:22:09.160 Him to be 00:22:09.160 --> 00:22:10.580 your Redeemer, 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:12.400 to understand 00:22:12.400 --> 00:22:14.080 that our debt 00:22:14.080 --> 00:22:15.680 is so great, 00:22:16.680 --> 00:22:17.940 only a divine 00:22:17.940 --> 00:22:19.720 sacrifice could 00:22:19.720 --> 00:22:20.700 pay it. 00:22:22.140 --> 00:22:23.220 And Jesus, 00:22:23.680 --> 00:22:24.259 the Son of 00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:25.080 God, has 00:22:25.080 --> 00:22:25.960 paid it, 00:22:26.680 --> 00:22:27.700 and has paid 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:28.720 it in full, 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:30.440 so you don't 00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:31.140 have to. 00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:32.980 So you can 00:22:32.980 --> 00:22:33.819 come to Jesus 00:22:33.819 --> 00:22:35.080 in faith as 00:22:35.080 --> 00:22:35.680 your grace 00:22:35.680 --> 00:22:36.700 rescuer, the 00:22:36.700 --> 00:22:37.460 one who came 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:38.900 to smash the 00:22:38.900 --> 00:22:39.660 shackles of 00:22:39.660 --> 00:22:40.519 sin, to 00:22:40.519 --> 00:22:41.380 unlock the 00:22:41.380 --> 00:22:42.019 dungeon, to 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:42.799 storm the 00:22:42.799 --> 00:22:43.340 gates, to 00:22:43.340 --> 00:22:44.740 purchase your 00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:46.720 freedom at 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:47.420 the cost of 00:22:47.420 --> 00:22:48.380 His own 00:22:48.380 --> 00:22:49.180 life. 00:22:54.779 --> 00:22:55.580 But let me 00:22:55.580 --> 00:22:56.180 speak to those 00:22:56.180 --> 00:22:56.539 of us who 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:57.220 are Christians. 00:22:59.080 --> 00:22:59.880 When we 00:22:59.880 --> 00:23:00.700 fall into 00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:02.960 sin, as 00:23:02.960 --> 00:23:03.480 we know we 00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:05.539 do, when 00:23:05.539 --> 00:23:05.839 we are 00:23:05.839 --> 00:23:06.740 tempted to 00:23:06.740 --> 00:23:09.319 despair, as 00:23:09.319 --> 00:23:09.920 sometimes we 00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:11.599 can be, when 00:23:11.599 --> 00:23:12.299 we doubt 00:23:12.299 --> 00:23:13.799 God's love, 00:23:14.700 --> 00:23:16.379 when things 00:23:16.379 --> 00:23:17.079 grow dark, 00:23:18.379 --> 00:23:19.200 the answer 00:23:19.200 --> 00:23:20.819 for us is 00:23:20.819 --> 00:23:21.720 the same. 00:23:22.139 --> 00:23:23.639 We come to 00:23:23.639 --> 00:23:24.440 Jesus, we 00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:25.839 look to 00:23:25.839 --> 00:23:26.579 Jesus, as 00:23:26.579 --> 00:23:27.399 Murray McShane 00:23:27.399 --> 00:23:28.659 put it so 00:23:28.659 --> 00:23:29.399 helpfully, for 00:23:29.399 --> 00:23:30.099 every one 00:23:30.099 --> 00:23:31.299 look at 00:23:31.299 --> 00:23:31.659 ourselves. 00:23:31.660 --> 00:23:32.320 we take 00:23:32.320 --> 00:23:33.740 ten looks 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.779 at Jesus. 00:23:36.040 --> 00:23:36.820 Let me 00:23:36.820 --> 00:23:37.480 encourage you 00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:38.180 today to 00:23:38.180 --> 00:23:38.920 look to 00:23:38.920 --> 00:23:40.360 Jesus as 00:23:40.360 --> 00:23:40.940 your great 00:23:40.940 --> 00:23:41.740 high priest. 00:23:43.380 --> 00:23:44.360 Two things 00:23:44.360 --> 00:23:45.140 Jesus does for 00:23:45.140 --> 00:23:45.540 us as our 00:23:45.540 --> 00:23:46.279 high priest, he 00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:47.600 sacrifices for 00:23:47.600 --> 00:23:48.640 you and he 00:23:48.640 --> 00:23:49.600 prays for you. 00:23:50.259 --> 00:23:51.900 On the cross, in 00:23:51.900 --> 00:23:52.920 that sacrifice, he 00:23:52.920 --> 00:23:54.220 has fully paid the 00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:55.460 penalty for all of 00:23:55.460 --> 00:23:56.000 your sins. 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:57.640 Justice has been 00:23:57.640 --> 00:23:58.660 fully met, that 00:23:58.660 --> 00:24:00.120 record of debt, the 00:24:00.119 --> 00:24:01.079 letter now reads 00:24:01.079 --> 00:24:02.839 paid in full, his 00:24:02.839 --> 00:24:04.219 perfect sacrifice 00:24:04.219 --> 00:24:06.479 has more merit than 00:24:06.479 --> 00:24:09.159 all of our sin, he 00:24:09.159 --> 00:24:10.199 is able to cover 00:24:10.199 --> 00:24:10.459 it. 00:24:12.659 --> 00:24:13.739 He's done that as 00:24:13.739 --> 00:24:14.379 your great high 00:24:14.379 --> 00:24:15.419 priest, but 00:24:15.419 --> 00:24:16.339 recognize where is 00:24:16.339 --> 00:24:17.059 Jesus now? 00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:19.059 Jesus is in 00:24:19.059 --> 00:24:19.719 heaven, he's in 00:24:19.719 --> 00:24:20.399 glory, he's at the 00:24:20.399 --> 00:24:21.219 Father's right hand, 00:24:21.239 --> 00:24:21.839 and what's Jesus 00:24:21.839 --> 00:24:22.479 doing now? 00:24:22.859 --> 00:24:24.079 He is constantly 00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:26.479 praying for you. 00:24:27.479 --> 00:24:28.559 I came across this 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:29.319 phrase from the 00:24:29.319 --> 00:24:30.139 Puritan Thomas 00:24:30.139 --> 00:24:31.399 Goodwin this week, 00:24:31.439 --> 00:24:32.859 he says this, the 00:24:32.859 --> 00:24:34.700 life of Jesus and 00:24:34.700 --> 00:24:35.980 the intercession of 00:24:35.980 --> 00:24:38.099 Jesus keeps God and 00:24:38.099 --> 00:24:39.740 us friends. 00:24:41.599 --> 00:24:44.059 Our relationship with 00:24:44.059 --> 00:24:45.099 our Father is 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:46.619 steadfast and sure 00:24:46.619 --> 00:24:48.000 because Jesus 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:49.179 ensures it. 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:50.939 He mediates to 00:24:50.939 --> 00:24:52.319 ensure our 00:24:52.319 --> 00:24:53.000 reconciliation. 00:24:53.000 --> 00:24:53.259 salvation. 00:24:55.539 --> 00:24:56.700 So if you are in 00:24:56.700 --> 00:24:58.279 Christ today, your 00:24:58.279 --> 00:25:00.779 past sins, your 00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:02.359 present sins, your 00:25:02.359 --> 00:25:04.759 future sins are all 00:25:04.759 --> 00:25:06.220 covered by the 00:25:06.220 --> 00:25:07.559 sacrifice of Jesus 00:25:07.559 --> 00:25:09.539 and the praying 00:25:09.539 --> 00:25:10.859 life of Jesus. 00:25:12.220 --> 00:25:13.880 And so our security 00:25:13.880 --> 00:25:15.259 does not rest in 00:25:15.259 --> 00:25:17.380 ourselves, it rests 00:25:17.380 --> 00:25:18.119 in him. 00:25:18.839 --> 00:25:20.319 His perfect sacrifice, 00:25:20.319 --> 00:25:22.339 his perfect prayers, so 00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:23.460 you and I, we get to 00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:25.319 look, we get to 00:25:25.319 --> 00:25:27.279 rest, and we get to 00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:27.700 rejoice. 00:25:29.159 --> 00:25:30.200 And that takes us 00:25:30.200 --> 00:25:31.419 towards our third 00:25:31.419 --> 00:25:32.019 question. 00:25:32.139 --> 00:25:34.240 How do we get this 00:25:34.240 --> 00:25:34.639 freedom? 00:25:35.919 --> 00:25:36.700 So think about what 00:25:36.700 --> 00:25:37.480 we've said so far. 00:25:37.539 --> 00:25:38.319 We need freedom 00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:40.079 because of our guilt 00:25:40.079 --> 00:25:40.759 and our sin. 00:25:42.159 --> 00:25:43.339 And Jesus came to 00:25:43.339 --> 00:25:45.559 secure freedom by his 00:25:45.559 --> 00:25:46.559 death on the cross. 00:25:46.700 --> 00:25:47.839 I hope for all of us, 00:25:47.839 --> 00:25:48.740 God is helping us to 00:25:48.740 --> 00:25:51.019 see, to see why this 00:25:51.019 --> 00:25:51.639 matters. 00:25:53.199 --> 00:25:54.480 To see why we need 00:25:54.480 --> 00:25:55.599 our idea of freedom 00:25:55.599 --> 00:25:57.599 to include a freedom 00:25:57.599 --> 00:25:59.000 to know God and to 00:25:59.000 --> 00:26:00.179 know life with God and 00:26:00.179 --> 00:26:01.000 to receive his 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:02.279 forgiveness so we can 00:26:02.279 --> 00:26:03.179 be assured of his 00:26:03.179 --> 00:26:03.659 love. 00:26:05.439 --> 00:26:06.279 But it leads us to 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:07.299 that one final question. 00:26:07.399 --> 00:26:08.659 How do we get this 00:26:08.659 --> 00:26:09.159 freedom? 00:26:10.919 --> 00:26:11.779 And it takes us to 00:26:11.779 --> 00:26:12.619 one last connection 00:26:12.619 --> 00:26:14.519 with another of those 00:26:14.519 --> 00:26:15.259 90s movies. 00:26:15.339 --> 00:26:16.779 Back to Saving Private 00:26:16.779 --> 00:26:17.059 Ryan. 00:26:17.059 --> 00:26:19.119 So the closing scenes 00:26:19.119 --> 00:26:21.200 of the movie, we 00:26:21.200 --> 00:26:22.460 find Private Ryan, so 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:23.599 he is rescued from 00:26:23.599 --> 00:26:24.599 the front lines and 00:26:24.599 --> 00:26:25.759 he's taken home to 00:26:25.759 --> 00:26:26.720 the States where he 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:27.659 lives out the rest of 00:26:27.659 --> 00:26:28.720 his days and we find 00:26:28.720 --> 00:26:30.859 him, an elderly man, 00:26:31.960 --> 00:26:33.500 visiting the grave of 00:26:33.500 --> 00:26:34.819 one of those soldiers 00:26:34.819 --> 00:26:36.759 who purchased his 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:37.960 freedom at great 00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:38.899 sacrifice. 00:26:40.759 --> 00:26:41.720 And there at the 00:26:41.720 --> 00:26:43.240 gravesite he remembers 00:26:43.240 --> 00:26:45.960 words spoken to him. 00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:49.059 and those words 00:26:49.059 --> 00:26:53.019 were, earn it. 00:26:54.599 --> 00:26:56.460 And what we see and 00:26:56.460 --> 00:26:58.000 sense is that Private 00:26:58.000 --> 00:27:01.019 Ryan is haunted by 00:27:01.019 --> 00:27:02.200 those words. 00:27:02.599 --> 00:27:04.119 Have I done enough 00:27:04.119 --> 00:27:07.440 with my life to earn 00:27:07.440 --> 00:27:09.119 that sacrifice? 00:27:09.119 --> 00:27:11.739 it was a terrible 00:27:11.739 --> 00:27:14.299 burden upon his 00:27:14.299 --> 00:27:15.099 shoulders. 00:27:16.659 --> 00:27:19.559 Friends, this is 00:27:19.559 --> 00:27:22.479 not the gospel. 00:27:23.659 --> 00:27:26.139 That is not the 00:27:26.139 --> 00:27:26.979 message of 00:27:26.979 --> 00:27:27.619 Christianity. 00:27:29.019 --> 00:27:30.259 And that's really good 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:30.739 news. 00:27:30.740 --> 00:27:33.200 It's really good news 00:27:33.200 --> 00:27:34.480 when we understand God 00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:35.720 is perfectly holy and 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:36.059 just. 00:27:37.900 --> 00:27:38.980 And that without 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:40.819 perfect, 100% perfect 00:27:40.819 --> 00:27:41.859 love and obedience we 00:27:41.859 --> 00:27:42.920 could never earn our 00:27:42.920 --> 00:27:44.039 way into the freedom of 00:27:44.039 --> 00:27:44.500 forgiveness. 00:27:45.339 --> 00:27:46.759 That is good news when 00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:50.819 we understand God 00:27:50.819 --> 00:27:51.819 doesn't expect that. 00:27:51.900 --> 00:27:52.640 He knows that we 00:27:52.640 --> 00:27:53.200 failed. 00:27:53.319 --> 00:27:53.960 He knows we will 00:27:53.960 --> 00:27:54.620 always fail. 00:27:54.700 --> 00:27:55.779 And he's provided a 00:27:55.779 --> 00:27:56.019 way. 00:27:56.400 --> 00:27:57.460 He's given to us a 00:27:57.460 --> 00:27:58.599 better message and a 00:27:58.599 --> 00:27:59.460 better story. 00:27:59.460 --> 00:28:01.319 that Jesus, his son, 00:28:02.160 --> 00:28:03.240 he has earned it for 00:28:03.240 --> 00:28:03.700 us. 00:28:06.019 --> 00:28:08.720 And it has nothing to 00:28:08.720 --> 00:28:10.340 do with your worth. 00:28:11.279 --> 00:28:13.240 And it has nothing to 00:28:13.240 --> 00:28:14.840 do with your work. 00:28:15.640 --> 00:28:17.079 And it has everything 00:28:17.079 --> 00:28:19.200 to do with his. 00:28:21.819 --> 00:28:23.079 In preparing for 00:28:23.079 --> 00:28:23.559 Easter, I've been 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:24.319 reading a lovely little 00:28:24.319 --> 00:28:25.420 book by John Piper. 00:28:25.819 --> 00:28:26.500 It's called 50 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:27.519 Reasons Why Jesus 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:28.420 Came to Die. 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:29.500 And one of those 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:30.420 reasons is this. 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:32.740 Jesus died to show 00:28:32.740 --> 00:28:33.860 the wealth of God's 00:28:33.860 --> 00:28:35.320 love and grace for 00:28:35.320 --> 00:28:35.620 sinners. 00:28:36.960 --> 00:28:38.140 Look at the last 00:28:38.140 --> 00:28:39.140 clause, the last 00:28:39.140 --> 00:28:40.360 phrase in verse 7. 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:41.180 In him we have 00:28:41.180 --> 00:28:42.140 redemption through his 00:28:42.140 --> 00:28:43.700 blood, the forgiveness 00:28:43.700 --> 00:28:46.279 of sins in accordance 00:28:46.279 --> 00:28:48.220 with the riches of God's 00:28:48.220 --> 00:28:50.820 grace that he lavished 00:28:50.820 --> 00:28:51.660 on us. 00:28:53.279 --> 00:28:55.080 God's overflowing grace 00:28:55.080 --> 00:28:55.820 poured out on us. 00:28:55.820 --> 00:28:56.480 How do we see it? 00:28:56.480 --> 00:28:58.079 We see that grace in the 00:28:58.079 --> 00:29:00.160 degree of his sacrifice 00:29:00.160 --> 00:29:01.740 to save us from the 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:02.660 penalty of sin. 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:03.900 So we've already said it. 00:29:03.960 --> 00:29:05.240 Who is it that dies on 00:29:05.240 --> 00:29:05.900 the cross? 00:29:06.860 --> 00:29:07.960 It is Jesus. 00:29:08.539 --> 00:29:09.380 Remember, Jesus' name 00:29:09.380 --> 00:29:10.440 means God saves. 00:29:10.880 --> 00:29:11.700 Who is Jesus? 00:29:11.819 --> 00:29:12.680 According to verse 3, 00:29:12.880 --> 00:29:13.880 he is none other than 00:29:13.880 --> 00:29:14.480 the Lord. 00:29:15.660 --> 00:29:16.660 Who is Jesus? 00:29:16.799 --> 00:29:17.599 According to verse 3, 00:29:17.680 --> 00:29:18.380 he is Christ. 00:29:18.519 --> 00:29:19.400 He is the anointed 00:29:19.400 --> 00:29:19.940 king. 00:29:20.299 --> 00:29:21.559 So it's the eternal son 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:22.799 of God who becomes one 00:29:22.799 --> 00:29:23.039 of us. 00:29:23.039 --> 00:29:24.059 He is the one who dies 00:29:24.059 --> 00:29:24.879 on the cross. 00:29:26.919 --> 00:29:27.839 Now think about that 00:29:27.839 --> 00:29:28.279 for a moment. 00:29:28.419 --> 00:29:29.519 Think about the immense 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:33.139 cost to God the Father 00:29:33.139 --> 00:29:34.579 and God the Son 00:29:34.579 --> 00:29:36.099 in our freedom, 00:29:36.299 --> 00:29:37.279 in our redemption. 00:29:38.779 --> 00:29:39.759 Cost to the Father 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:41.460 in sending the Son he loves. 00:29:41.940 --> 00:29:42.940 Cost to the Son 00:29:42.940 --> 00:29:44.619 in lovingly sacrificing 00:29:44.619 --> 00:29:45.240 for us. 00:29:45.319 --> 00:29:46.119 And wonderfully 00:29:46.119 --> 00:29:48.000 understand the Bible 00:29:48.000 --> 00:29:48.839 says that both 00:29:48.839 --> 00:29:49.799 Father and Son 00:29:49.799 --> 00:29:51.419 freely chose it 00:29:51.419 --> 00:29:52.980 in love 00:29:52.980 --> 00:29:54.419 to purchase 00:29:54.419 --> 00:29:55.220 our freedom. 00:29:58.159 --> 00:29:59.639 And see this grace 00:29:59.639 --> 00:30:00.180 too 00:30:00.180 --> 00:30:02.039 in the degree 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:03.299 of our 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:04.440 unworthiness. 00:30:05.500 --> 00:30:06.559 God didn't look at us 00:30:06.559 --> 00:30:06.859 and say, 00:30:07.159 --> 00:30:08.259 there's a guy, 00:30:08.419 --> 00:30:09.019 there's a girl 00:30:09.019 --> 00:30:09.720 who'd be perfect 00:30:09.720 --> 00:30:10.460 for my kingdom. 00:30:11.259 --> 00:30:11.839 That's not the way 00:30:11.839 --> 00:30:12.440 it works. 00:30:12.940 --> 00:30:13.240 In fact, 00:30:13.279 --> 00:30:14.159 he spells it out 00:30:14.159 --> 00:30:14.960 in chapter 2, 00:30:15.039 --> 00:30:15.839 the opening verses 00:30:15.839 --> 00:30:16.579 of chapter 2. 00:30:16.899 --> 00:30:17.359 It is 00:30:17.359 --> 00:30:18.680 rebels 00:30:18.680 --> 00:30:21.340 who are redeemed, 00:30:22.480 --> 00:30:23.060 Paul says. 00:30:24.060 --> 00:30:24.900 It is 00:30:24.900 --> 00:30:26.860 the disobedient 00:30:26.860 --> 00:30:29.180 who are delivered 00:30:29.180 --> 00:30:30.840 into God's kingdom. 00:30:32.200 --> 00:30:32.960 It is 00:30:32.960 --> 00:30:33.779 objects 00:30:33.779 --> 00:30:35.480 of God's wrath 00:30:35.480 --> 00:30:37.580 who are made 00:30:37.580 --> 00:30:38.299 objects 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:39.680 of God's 00:30:39.680 --> 00:30:40.400 love. 00:30:41.480 --> 00:30:42.700 And all of that 00:30:42.700 --> 00:30:43.279 to the praise 00:30:43.279 --> 00:30:44.779 of his glorious grace. 00:30:45.620 --> 00:30:46.720 So that for you 00:30:46.720 --> 00:30:47.039 and I 00:30:47.039 --> 00:30:48.019 to experience 00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:49.240 freedom from Jesus, 00:30:49.720 --> 00:30:50.539 freedom from guilt 00:30:50.539 --> 00:30:51.039 and sin, 00:30:51.180 --> 00:30:52.000 freedom to enjoy 00:30:52.000 --> 00:30:52.879 life with God, 00:30:52.960 --> 00:30:53.859 the love of God, 00:30:53.980 --> 00:30:55.160 what do we need to do? 00:30:55.220 --> 00:30:56.019 We need to fall 00:30:56.019 --> 00:30:56.759 into the arms 00:30:56.759 --> 00:30:57.639 of our loving God 00:30:57.639 --> 00:30:58.180 and Savior. 00:31:02.700 --> 00:31:03.799 And if we have 00:31:03.799 --> 00:31:04.480 any doubts, 00:31:05.680 --> 00:31:06.139 if we have 00:31:06.139 --> 00:31:07.339 any suspicions 00:31:07.339 --> 00:31:08.819 about the goodness 00:31:08.819 --> 00:31:09.819 of God, 00:31:10.519 --> 00:31:11.139 about the good 00:31:11.139 --> 00:31:11.819 intentions 00:31:11.819 --> 00:31:12.460 of God 00:31:12.460 --> 00:31:13.180 for us, 00:31:13.180 --> 00:31:14.640 God's 00:31:14.640 --> 00:31:15.180 love, 00:31:15.180 --> 00:31:17.400 let me urge you 00:31:17.400 --> 00:31:18.100 to look again 00:31:18.100 --> 00:31:18.980 to the cross. 00:31:20.620 --> 00:31:21.180 Consider 00:31:21.180 --> 00:31:22.240 the cost 00:31:22.240 --> 00:31:23.539 that the 00:31:23.539 --> 00:31:24.200 Father and the 00:31:24.200 --> 00:31:24.519 Son 00:31:24.519 --> 00:31:25.420 paid 00:31:25.420 --> 00:31:26.360 that we 00:31:26.360 --> 00:31:27.240 might go 00:31:27.240 --> 00:31:27.620 free. 00:31:28.820 --> 00:31:29.340 Because, 00:31:29.460 --> 00:31:29.660 friends, 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:30.539 this is 00:31:30.539 --> 00:31:31.120 true 00:31:31.120 --> 00:31:31.960 freedom, 00:31:32.480 --> 00:31:34.039 to be free 00:31:34.039 --> 00:31:34.779 of the guilt 00:31:34.779 --> 00:31:35.320 of sin 00:31:35.320 --> 00:31:35.680 that would 00:31:35.680 --> 00:31:36.500 condemn us 00:31:36.500 --> 00:31:37.500 to death 00:31:37.500 --> 00:31:38.160 and to hell. 00:31:38.160 --> 00:31:41.400 true freedom 00:31:41.400 --> 00:31:42.240 is enjoying 00:31:42.240 --> 00:31:43.500 eternal life 00:31:43.500 --> 00:31:44.560 from God 00:31:44.560 --> 00:31:45.460 and with 00:31:45.460 --> 00:31:46.019 the God 00:31:46.019 --> 00:31:46.580 of love. 00:31:47.860 --> 00:31:48.920 True freedom 00:31:48.920 --> 00:31:50.720 comes through 00:31:50.720 --> 00:31:51.340 Jesus' 00:31:51.580 --> 00:31:52.460 death for us 00:31:52.460 --> 00:31:53.380 on the cross. 00:31:54.720 --> 00:31:55.580 And that freedom 00:31:55.580 --> 00:31:56.580 comes all 00:31:56.580 --> 00:31:57.320 because 00:31:57.320 --> 00:31:58.620 of God's 00:31:58.620 --> 00:31:59.000 love 00:31:59.000 --> 00:32:00.420 and God's 00:32:00.420 --> 00:32:00.759 grace. 00:32:01.800 --> 00:32:02.500 This is the 00:32:02.500 --> 00:32:02.800 deep, 00:32:02.900 --> 00:32:03.420 deep love 00:32:03.420 --> 00:32:03.940 of Jesus, 00:32:04.140 --> 00:32:04.460 which is 00:32:04.460 --> 00:32:04.960 vast, 00:32:05.360 --> 00:32:06.120 unmeasured, 00:32:06.460 --> 00:32:07.040 boundless, 00:32:07.460 --> 00:32:07.740 free. 00:32:08.160 --> 00:32:08.700 And we're 00:32:08.700 --> 00:32:08.900 going to 00:32:08.900 --> 00:32:09.360 sing of it 00:32:09.360 --> 00:32:09.900 in a moment. 00:32:12.340 --> 00:32:13.200 It's a love 00:32:13.200 --> 00:32:13.880 and it's a freedom 00:32:13.880 --> 00:32:14.480 that you and I 00:32:14.480 --> 00:32:15.360 can receive 00:32:15.360 --> 00:32:16.080 today. 00:32:17.600 --> 00:32:18.340 And we can 00:32:18.340 --> 00:32:19.120 rest in it 00:32:19.120 --> 00:32:19.980 every day. 00:32:21.100 --> 00:32:21.860 And when we're 00:32:21.860 --> 00:32:22.360 in Jesus, 00:32:22.840 --> 00:32:23.759 we will rejoice 00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:24.620 in this freedom 00:32:24.620 --> 00:32:25.920 for all 00:32:25.920 --> 00:32:26.480 eternity. 00:32:27.860 --> 00:32:28.220 Let's give 00:32:28.220 --> 00:32:29.019 thanks as we 00:32:29.019 --> 00:32:29.360 pray. 00:32:29.360 --> 00:32:29.560 Amen.