Earth-Shaking Forgiveness

“The curtain of the Temple was torn in two…The earth shook…and the tomb broke open… People who had died were raised to life…and went into the Holy City.” Matthew 27:50-52.

When Jesus gave up His spirit – when He died – it set off a chain-reaction from the tearing of the temple curtain to people rising from their tombs and entering Jerusalem.

The temple curtain, which separated God’s holiness from the world, tore open. And people who were dead – which according to the Law, meant that they were unclean – entered Jerusalem. Jesus’ death is showing us that God’s relationship to the world is changing. Before Jesus, God and the world have been kept apart. Now things are different.

The moment Jesus died on the cross, our sins were paid for. We’re not guilty anymore! Jesus took our guilt upon Himself!

Since we are no longer guilty, God doesn’t have to protect us from His holiness. Thanks to Jesus, even God is no longer too good for you and me. This is what the torn curtain means to us. Jesus’ death provides all the cleansing that anyone will ever need.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for forgiving all my sins. Thanks for dying so that I can be in your presence. Amen.

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Adobe iStock