What shall I do with Jesus?

This is the question was asked by the Pontius Pilate when all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. Pilate was the Roman Procurator of Judea during the reign of Tiberius. Josephus and Philo of Alexandria describe him as a tyrant, a bloodsucker and a corruptible character. “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked.(Matt.27;22).

2000 years later millions of people are asking the same question “What shall I do with Jesus?” Shall I reject Him or shall I call Him prophet?

 Before I answer this question we should go back to the theme of atonement. For there is no salvation (forgiveness of sin) without atonement for our past sins. The word “atonement” means to cover sin or veil it. In Christianity atonement is the work of Christ by His perfect obedience to the will of the Father. In short, salvation of the world from curse of the law and the reconciliation of man was made by God’s own blood which was shed on the cross. It is helpful to look at the attributes of Christ from different angles; in relation to God from the aspect of His love, holiness, and justice, and in relation to man from the aspect of His work in and for mankind.

 So, it was said that the atonement of Christ is for the sin of man; it is clear expression of Christ’s sacrifice for the salvation of the sinners from the curse of the law and from judgement. It has been also said that the atonement of Christ is to please God and fulfil His justice. That is, a means of satisfying God and placating Him. This expresses the results of Christ’s sacrifice in removing God’s wrath and His satisfaction at accepting the sinner for reconciliation. Another view holds that the atonement is the covering of the transgressor’s soul with Christ’s blood so that he would not be charged for punishment.

 Christ, who was slain in his place also bore his punishment. As the Gospel writer Apostle John says, “This is the love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sin.” (1st. John 4;10). Atonement has opened the door of reconciliation between God and man without degrading the holy law of God. As Apostle Paul says; “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”(2nd. Corinthians 5:19).

 Jesus redemption is expressed in the language of the Holy Bible by the word “grace”. For our heavenly Father was not under obligation to provide a sacrifice for sinful mankind. Nor was the Son compelled to come in the flesh and take upon Himself the redemption plan. It was the perfect Deity because of great love and richness in mercy who diverted the law’s penal demands. God accepted the substitutionary sufferings which the incarnate Son willingly bore in place of the sinner. Our Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed this truth when He said “Greater love has no-one than this that He lay down His life for His friends.” (John 15;13). In these statements our blessed Lord explained the reason for what He did. Though He was the Holy one, He accepted a human body and suffered, bearing our sins in His body on the cross. As Apostle Paul says; “For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8;3-4). In other words we can say the eternal death which was the judgement on us, as the wages of sin, Christ took on Himself acting as our representative .This is what prophet Isaiah says, “The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53;5).

 Many people say’s that God forgives whoever He wants and punishes whoever He wants. This statement conflicts with the truth of God expressed in His warnings and promises. His justices demand an atoning sacrifice for pardon. This principle was known from the beginning; it runs like a crimson thread through the pages of the Old Testament. It drips blood and cries in every generation, saying; “Without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.” In truth, if God is to be perfect in all His attributes, it would not become Him to forgive man his trespasses at the expense of his truth and justice. As the prophet says, “The soul who sins is the one who will die.” (Ezekiel 18;20).

 If God forgives a soul its iniquity, there must have been some grounds for this forgiveness; a reason which satisfies God’s holiness as well as His justice. The satisfaction was achieved in the Old Testament by offering blood sacrifices which typified Christ. Now in the Old Testament it is achieved by the sacrifice of Christ, who fulfilled every righteousness. Among the characteristics of the sacrifice of Christ is that it not only takes away the sin of man, but goes on to heal him of sin as moral disease. For the one who accepts the crucified Christ receives new life. He begins to see the dreadful operation of sin and its fearful penalty and so does not practise it. As Apostle says; “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning because he has been born of God.” (1st. John 3;9).

 Beloved readers please don’t act like Pilate and don’t reject Jesus Christ. Make your decision now. Do not leave it for tomorrow. It may be too late. The door for repentance can be shut and you will live in everlasting regret and suffer punishment. Accept Jesus as your Lord and God, confess your sin to Him, repent for your sin and believe your sin has forgiven and walk in His way on your daily life.