our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3) on a cruel cross in our
behalf too, which means He can now forgive us,
remove our guilt, and wash us clean! Do you
enjoy receiving gifts? My children, ages 5 and 8,
surely do. What kid doesn’t? Now don’t miss this.
God Almighty has a free “gift of righteousness”
(see Romans 5:17) for you that can give you
“eternal life” (see Romans 6:23). If you are willing
to turn from sin and to believe in Jesus as your
Savior, He will apply Christ’s perfect obedience to
the Ten Commandments in place of your sins in
His heavenly record books (see Revelation 20:12).
“Innocent!” “Not Guilty!” “Forgiven!” will be spoken
about you by the King of the Universe, no matter
what crimes or sins you have committed.
This brings us back to the universal search for
genuine love. Here’s a story to illustrate: A reckless
teenager once had a terrible argument with his
dad. His last words were, “I’m leaving. You will
never see me again!” as he stormed out of the
house. The boy thought he could make it on his
own, but after three difficult years remorseful
thoughts turned toward home. Will my father take
me back? he wondered fearfully. Two days later,
the boy finally gathered the courage to phone his
mother. “Mom, please talk to dad. Tell him I will
be passing by the foot of our hill on a train next
Monday afternoon. Ask him to hang something