Originally Posted on May 6, 2015
The first cry Jesus gave from the Cross is found in Luke 23:34 (NKJV): “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” People in sin are blinded to their sin by the god of this age, the devil. “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them” (2 Cor. 4:3-4 NKJV). Jesus knew this fact, and while He was suffering as no man ever suffered or ever will suffer, He cried out to God to forgive His killers.
Jesus was slapped, mocked, beaten, ridiculed, and spat upon, but yet, because He was God in the flesh, He forgave. It is the character of God to forgive sinners when they truly repent. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NKJV).
God does not desire to immediately pass the death sentence on you because you have sinned. He gives all people everywhere many opportunities to repent of their sins and move forward as a new creature in Christ. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 NKJV).
It is an eternal fact that God loves you with an everlasting love that cannot be fathomed. It is so boundless that it can only be known by faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV).
Jesus is no longer on that old rugged CROSS! Jesus is no longer in that grave! He has victory over death, hell, and the grave! The cry for forgiveness still comes from our Lord to us today. Ask Him and He will forgive you.
Jeff Harvel 