Jesus is the Son of God. He is fully God and fully man. He lived a perfect life upon the earth some 2000 years ago. He ministered with authority in His words, mercy in His actions, and humility of heart. Jesus was put to death on a cross, according to the foreordained plan of God the Father. We deserve death as a penalty for our sins, but He took our place and died on the cross as a substitute for you and me. In doing so, Jesus satisfied the perfect standard of God’s holy justice. He laid down His life to take in His own body the punishment of sin and rebellion that was due to us. It is by the shed blood of Jesus that we can be forgiven of our sins.

But Jesus did not remain in the grave! Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead! He was seen by many witnesses, continued to teach and perform miracles, until He ascended to heaven. Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God the Father – His redeeming work is finished. At an appointed time in the future, Jesus will return, gathering to Himself all who love and believe in Him, but will, at the same time, judge the unbelieving world for its rebellion and choice to reject His offer of salvation.