We are so blessed to have this Holy week message by Pastor Rick Frederickson! Happy Resurrection Sunday Pastor Rick and Sue and your entire family! We love you all!
It is finished – He has Risen!
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
I remember a time many years ago when my son Jimmy was two or three years old. I had taken Jimmy into a gas station in Windom. As I was paying for my gas and talking to the owner, Jimmy wandered around the store. Then I called to him and we left and went home.
When we got home his mother discovered that Jimmy had “liberated” some mini Tootsie Rolls. Horrified and eager to give him a lesson in life, his mother and I talked to him about taking things that weren’t his – it was stealing.
Then I loaded him into the car and drove back to the station. You can imagine what happened next: Jimmy tearfully confessed his “crime” and before the words were completely out of his mouth the owner gently forgave him. And in the process, rewarded him by giving him a Tootsie Roll! I will always remember her compassion and grace.
“It is finished” and “He has risen” are the two more powerful statements in all history. They declare once and for all God’s victory over sin and death. They declare God’s love and grace to all humankind. The victory has already been won, and the love and grace of God are freely available to you and me.
Just like Jimmy and the store owner, God’s gentle and loving compassion and grace await all who confess their sins and declare His victory in their lives. We can’t earn it. It is a gift.
The victory over our sin was won when Jesus declared “It is finished. The victory over death was declared with the triumphant words “He has risen”. By God’s grace we have been saved through faith, a free gift – not of Tootsie Rolls – but of His grace. All you need to do is accept it.
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