“Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.”

As ‘Let God Be True’ puts it, “Fools are stubborn; scorners (mockers) are malicious.” I certainly don’t want to be either of those. The consequences will impact a person’s life but more seriously it will also impact their eternity. This guaranteed punishment will not be dismissed. Even Jesus, or most especially Jesus, suffered punishment as He stood in the place of those who accept His gift of redemption. But, the beating was still given for the sin. It is a harsh yet blessed truth that there was no ignoring or looking the other way in penalizing the sins of the world. It is a trustworthy statement that someone will die for our sin, either us or Jesus. The price will be paid. With that in mind His followers cry out for His free gift of salvation and reconciliation. God created mankind knowing it would cost His dear Son, the second person of the Trinity, a miserable, tortuous death on the cross. Yet, with full knowledge of this He breathed life into Adam and set the wheels in motion that came to a climax on the hill of Calvery. More exactly, with the borrowed empty tomb. And even more certainly, at the second coming of our Savior. Today let Jesus receive your penalty as you receive His free gift. #BeTheEdge

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NIV