In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7).
When I was a teenager, I was a skateboarder. I’d skate anywhere that had something to skate on, over or down. It didn’t matter to me if it was someone's driveway, an office block, or in the mall.
Of course … I got yelled at for trespassing all the time! But 'trespassing' is one of those words you hear, and may not fully know what it means.
Trespassing is offensive. The Merriam-Webster dictionary calls is “Entering an owner's land or property without permission”. You can be fined hundreds of dollars, even arrested (from what I hear), for trespassing.
The cost of trespassing
One of the ways we sin is when we defy God’s “no trespassing” sign. We go where we shouldn't go, and do things we shouldn't do, even when we know exactly what God wants.
We've crossed the line since birth. Whether it’s greed, stealing, lust, hatred, or pride – we’re all trespassers.
The price for this offense is far greater than a night in jail or a ticket.
The price for sin is death. Death (without forgiveness of sin) leads to hell.
We need a pardon. We need forgiveness. But, like I said, it’s going to cost more than some bail money.
Because, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”
The price of redemption
For us to be pardoned from these trespasses we would need someone who was rich. Rich in grace. Someone who wanted us free SO BAD they would pay the price of their own blood and their own death. Who would be willing to do that?
When we trespass against God, the only person who can pardon us, is the one we have offended with our trespasses.
Jesus steps down into human history to not just pardon us, but forgive us by taking the wrath of God on a cross.
In exchange for his death and resurrection, we have our redemption. Our freedom.
If you accept His pardon through repentance and faith, you are declared, “Not Guilty!” and walk away totally free from punishment. In addition they are given Jesus’ righteousness and placed in perfect standing with the Father, never to be moved.
Jesus said we should ask God to 'Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.' (Matthew 6:12) Let's make that our prayer today.