Salvation Came At a Cost

Philippians 2:5-8

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Our culture is inclined to enjoy temporary pleasures while disregarding what God says is the price of transgression (Romans 6:23). Even believers—especially those who have known Jesus a long time—can tend to forget what their sin cost Him. But it’s important to remember that for our sake, Jesus suffered ...

•  Physical pain. In the hours leading to His crucifixion, the Lord was mocked, beaten, and humiliated. After being forced to carry the cross, He was nailed to it and hoisted up to die an excruciating death. 

• Man’s sin. Jesus lived a perfect life on earth. But at the cross of Calvary, the Father placed all of mankind’s sins upon Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). There, our Savior experienced the fullness of our transgressions, along with all the guilt, shame, and regret. 

• Abandonment. In the final hours, Jesus was separated from His Father (Mark 15:34). Our sin was the barrier that kept them apart until the work of atonement was finished (John 19:30). 

• Divine judgment. God’s wrath was poured out upon our Lord because of man’s sin. Christ experienced the condemnation we deserved. 

Our Savior suffered greatly on our behalf so we might become part of God’s family (John 1:12). Let’s allow the magnitude of His selfless gift to inspire a loving response.