This is My commandment, that you love one another as I loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends – John 15:12-13
For Christians across the world, Good Friday is a crucial day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history.
Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation.
Paul considered it to be “of first importance” that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day, all in accordance with what God had promised all along in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3).
According to renown Evangelist Billy Graham, Both Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead are equally important; they cannot be separated from each other.
“Without Jesus’ death, we have no hope of God’s forgiveness; and without Jesus’ resurrection, we have no hope of eternal life. Like the two wings of an airplane, both are essential!” He says.
On Good Friday we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:10).
It is followed by Easter, the glorious celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead, heralding his victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to him by faith (Romans 6:5).
Many believers and non believers wonder; why call the day of Jesus’ death “Good Friday” instead of “Bad Friday”. In that case, the term “Good Friday” would be a mockery.
Billy Graham says yes, this Friday is the greatest tragedy, in fact, in the history of the human race.
Paradoxically, the day that seemed to be the greatest triumph of evil was actually the deathblow in God’s gloriously good plan to redeem the world from bondage.
The Apostle Paul put it this way: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).”
Graham says, Friday was not the end!
“Two days later, the tomb was empty, and Jesus was alive! And that’s why we can call it “Good Friday” — because on a day that first seemed tragic, something incredibly good happened: Jesus Christ gave His life for our salvation. We deserved to die on that cross, but Christ died in our place. And because of that, we can have hope — hope for our lives today, and hope of eternal life in heaven.”
“Has what happened on Good Friday become a part of your life? It can, and I pray it will, as you turn to Jesus Christ and ask Him to come into your life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).” Billy Graham notes.
The wrath of God against sin had to be poured out on Jesus, the perfect sacrificial substitute, in order for forgiveness and salvation to be poured out to the nations.
The cross is where we see the convergence of great suffering and God’s forgiveness.
We receive divine forgiveness, mercy, and peace because Jesus willingly took our divine punishment, the result of God’s righteousness against sin.
“For the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus endured the cross on Good Friday, knowing it led to his resurrection, our salvation, and the beginning of God’s reign of righteousness and peace.
It is finished! Make that decision, welcome Jesus into your heart today.
Happy Easter Season!
aaron@ugchristiannews.com
