Do You Know Why Jesus’ Died?

Not everyone, including church people, know why Jesus died, and if they do know, they may not necessarily agree. - Clint Decker

I live in a small rural town in north central Kansas. We have 10 churches in our city limits, with religion being a part of the fabric of our community from its founding. Accordingly, when I ask the Easter question, “Why did Jesus die?” to someone in my town, it should be a simple Sunday School type answer. (Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)

One day as I was talking with an older gentleman that had lived much of his life in the town, I asked, “Do you know why Jesus died?” He honestly replied, “No, I do not.” I was shocked. I did not think that people deep in the Amazon jungles of South America knew, but I surely thought everyone in rural Kansas knew.

In 2019, a British religious poll was taken, which included a question about Jesus dying for sins. Only 46% of Christians in the poll agreed that Jesus died for sins, which meant that 54% of Christians did not agree! Again, I was shocked. Why would a Christian not believe the Christian teaching that Jesus died for their sins?

Then I came across a well-educated pastor who stated, “I don’t teach that we have an angry, vengeful God that was so wrathful over our sinfulness that God sacrificed God’s son, God’s self, to himself, for his own vengeance. That doesn’t hold for me,” said the pastor. “Jesus, having borne the pain and suffering of the cross… allows us to be liberators and to be liberated.” This is a teaching of Liberation Theology, which is taught to many pastors in seminaries across the country.

Not everyone, including church people, know why Jesus died, and if they do know, they may not necessarily agree.

Why did Jesus die and rise again? Because of sin. No other person in human history has ever died for the sins of another. It is the most unique death. This was spoken of at Jesus’ birth. An angel told Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, “[Mary] will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Why did Jesus die for “sin”? Because of its awfulness. The Scriptures say, “…nothing unclean will ever enter [God’s presence], nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27) Sin is called unclean, detestable and false. God lays out some examples, “…the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars…” (Rev. 21:8) Outwardly, there is a lot of difference between being a coward versus a murderer. What do they both have in common regarding God’s rules? Prideful defiance. When God lays down His rules for us and we respond with defiance, that angers Him. He will have nothing of it.

What are the consequences God has laid out for such rebellion? Death. Both spiritual and eternal. God clearly communicates this, “…their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Rev. 21:8) Is there any hope for humanity or is it the fate of us all? This is the good news of Easter.

Though the consequence for our sinful defiance is death, it is something we can be delivered from. The Bible says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him, should not perish, but have eternal life.”

God is willing to show you mercy in the face of your deserved penalty. He voluntarily sent His Son to take that sentence. Jesus’ death on Easter’s cross was an act of divine kindness toward you. He died so you would not have to. Then He rose again, conquering sin and death, that you might overcome and have the incredible gift of eternal life, beginning now.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray that all people would know why you died and rose again. Help them to admit their prideful defiance toward your rules. Humble them, that they would cry out to you, for the forgiveness of their sin and walk in victory through Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Easter: A Gift of Life to The World

The Devil and demons of hell thought He was gone for good, but on Sunday morning the supernatural life in Jesus burst forth! He rose Himself from the dead! - Clint Decker

It was Friday morning in Jerusalem, the Day of Preparation for the Sabbath on Saturday. As the sun rose and people began their normal routine, something in the air felt different. Yes, there was the usual morning light, but dark clouds were slowly moving in, not rain clouds, but ones of a different sort. There was something ominous about it all. (Image by Arnie Bragg from Pixabay)

The whole city was stirred up by one man. He was arrested by authorities the night before and taken back and forth between Jewish and Roman officials. Before the council, the high priest tore his robes in judgement against the man saying, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” (Matthew 26:65-66) He was sentenced to death by crucifixion claiming to be the Son of God. He was Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus was indeed the Son of God, and His death on Good Friday, nearly 2,000 years ago, had a purpose. Jesus explained this during the Passover meal with His disciples the night before, And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28)

His death was to be a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity – past, present and future. He would pay their penalty of death for them. Why? So they might be forgiven for all their evil deeds and be restored to a relationship with their Creator.

After His death, Jesus’ lifeless body hung on the cross before it was taken down and laid in a tomb. Darkness enveloped Jerusalem. It was finished. Jesus paid the wages of death for the sin of all humanity.

But there is more.

After Jesus’ died, a battle waged in an invisible realm. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…” (John 11:25) Within Jesus, the Son of God, lay the supernatural power of life. It was shown when he spoke into Lazarus’ grave, who had been dead for four days, “[Jesus] cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” (Jn. 11:43) Another time, there was a 12-year-old girl, who had been dead for hours when Jesus came to her. Then witnesses recounted “…taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once.” (Luke 8:54-55) And a similar event occurred when Jesus approached a funeral procession carrying the dead body of a young man. Jesus spoke and he came to life.

How can Jesus’ raise people from the dead? Not because He is a miracle worker, but because He is the source of all life. “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jn. 1:3-5)

When Jesus lay dead in the tomb for three days, within Him was still that source of divine life. The Devil and demons of hell and all of Jesus’ enemies thought He was gone for good, but on Sunday morning the supernatural life in Jesus burst forth! He rose Himself from the dead! Jesus’ said about His life, “No one takes it from me but I…have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.” (Jn. 10:18)

He was able to live again, because of the supernatural life within Him. His life and light overcame sin, death and darkness. And because He did, He now offers that same supernatural life to you! Turn from your sin. Turn to the living Christ and receive His gift of life!

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will bring people to believe in your beloved Son and receive His gift of life. May they be born again into a new and living hope through the work of your life-giving Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be a Gentleman This Valentine’s Day

Men, are you willing to meet the challenge to treat your lady, like a gentleman would? And not just on special occasions, like Valentine’s Day, but every day? - Clint Decker

When I was a teenager my mom and I were out doing some errands when we stopped to head into a store. As we approached the building, I opened the door and walked in. Moments later I looked to my side, and my mom was not there. I turned around and found her standing outside on the other side of the door. When I walked back to her, I quickly found out what the problem was. Me! My mom was waiting for me to open the door for her. Not that she was injured or weak by any means. Nope! She was a very strong woman in many ways. Rather, she was trying to teach me how a gentleman is to treat a lady. I failed terribly! She also tried to teach me to eat my French fries with a fork. I failed there too. (Image from psychalive.com)

It took a while, but eventually I caught on, and was grateful for what she taught me. We have two great-granddaughters living with us, and I am doing the reverse with them. When we go into a building I say, “Okay girls, I need you to wait beside the door for me.” Then I will come and say, “You are queens and a gentleman always opens the door for his queen.” Sometimes it does not go so well with the older great-granddaughter. She will say, “I don’t need a man to open the door for me!” I need more time to work on that one.

Where does the idea of men acting like gentlemen and treating women like ladies come from? Read these words, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it…” (Ephesians 5:25-29) The concept of being a gentlemen in how a man treats a lady comes from God. He further states, “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman…” (1 Peter 3:7) How is a husband or boyfriend to honor his beautiful lady? Here are three ways that partially come from others.

Courtesy. Open the door for your lady, letting her enter first. Walk on the side closer to traffic, to protect her from any danger as vehicles drive by. Let her order first at a restaurant and always pay the bill. Help her with her coat. Offer to help carry any items she has.

Communication. Put down your cell phone, turn away from your video game and give your wife or girlfriend your full attention when she is talking. Genuinely compliment her to be an encouragement. Never use profanity toward her, or in her presence. Instead, let your words toward her be filled with graciousness and gentleness.

Consideration. Never lie to your lady. Respect her boundaries. When she says “no”, then honor that. Be reliable. When you give your word to her, then keep it. Have a sense of decorum in her presence, by stopping with the bodily noises. Be considerate enough to refuse being drunk in her company. Defend her at all costs from anyone who raises an evil hand toward her or who throws a vile word in her direction.

Men, are you willing to meet the challenge to treat your lady, like a gentleman would? And not just on special occasions, like Valentine’s Day, but every day? Women, are you willing to let him?

I realize what I am writing is controversial in light of the confusing gender roles we have today. What is a man? What is a woman? This is not confusing with God. He provides perfect clarity on this. Through the power of God, you can become the gentleman and lady God has called you to be.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will help men to be gentlemen and women to be ladies. Bring us to treat one another with a sense of honor in our relationships. And where we are weak, forgive us and enable us by your Spirit to live as we ought. In Jesus’ name. Amen.