But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities...  

- Isaiah 53:5

At Christmas, we celebrate Immanuel, “God with us.”

It is mind-blowing that God incarnate, (‘God in the flesh’,) Jesus Christ, came to be with us.

What is even more spectacular is why He came.

Scripture teaches us that Jesus came to atone for our sins.

Jesus was not born to establish a holiday, He was born to die for sinners.

And not just sin in part, but sin in whole.

This is why the Bible speaks of salvation in three tenses:

• “You were saved (2 Timothy 1:9).” 
  Jesus Christ gave His life as a ransom, paying our debt. With His life, King Jesus paid the PENALTY for our sin.
• “You are being saved (1 Corinthians 15:2).” 
  With the debt paid, Christ now works in us, freeing us from the POWER that sin has over our lives.
• “You will be saved (Romans 5:9-10).”
  Clothed in His righteousness, one day, we will be ushered into the real and living Kingdom, free from the PRESENCE of sin forever.

Jesus came to die. His coming means that the penalty of our sin has been paid, the power of sin is being weakened, and soon we'll be removed from sin's presence forever.

I am very glad He came!

Today's Reflection & Action:

You were saved once, but the benefits are threefold. When was the last time you thanked God for paying your debt? For weakening the devil's hold? For His future mercies and grace?

Jesus has set you free from sins' penalty and will one day remove you from sins' presence. In the meantime, sins' grip on your life is being diminished. Do you believe that? If so, live like it!

Faithfully,
Pastor Chris

Paper Sunday is blessed to collaborate with Chris Harper on this Advent Devotional Series.

Chris Harper is a speaker, writer, and disciple-maker. Chris is President of 252Edu, a consulting firm based in Dallas, Texas. Chris serves schools, churches, and non-profits by helping them "grow in wisdom, favor and stature with God and man.”

When not taking ground for King Jesus, you can find Chris on the basketball court playing a pick-up game. Chris is a sneakerhead, an avid reader, and loves a good cheeseburger. You can follow him @252consulting on Instagram.