The well-known assistant to Billy Graham, Cliff Barrows, shared an interesting story related to the raising of his children. His two sons had done something so seriously wrong that he was determined the penalty for their deed would be a whipping. However, he did not inflict the whipping on them. Instead he handed the belt to his sons, took his own shirt off, and ordered them to whip him.

The boys cried. Why should their dad have to be punished for what they had done? But Cliff was committed to his decision. He did not allow any other option. With tears in their eyes each of the boys took turns whipping the back of their dad as a punishment for their own wrongdoing. It broke their hearts.

Cliff Barrows shared that it resulted in a positive change in their behavior. Such a story highlights for us the love expressed for us on the cross. It also reminds us of the love we have for Him who paid such a price for us. The Bible speaks clearly that there will be a judgement day. God will hold men and women accountable for their sins. There is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. But God loves us. He wants us with Him forever.

Because we have received Jesus as Lord and Savior through faith, judgement day will be a confirmation that in Christ our sins are forgiven. The Lord sees us in the perfect righteousness of his Son, our Savior. Though the wages of sin are eternal death (separation from God) the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ!

Because of God’s love for us, believers are unafraid of Judgement Day. Though none of us are perfect, through Christ we are forgiven. We can’t fathom or understand such wonderful love! On the cross Jesus took our sins upon himself. He was innocent. He was sinless. He had done nothing wrong. Yet God’s own beloved Son received the penalty for us and paid the price in our behalf.

What does it profit us to gain the whole world and all of its pleasure and success if we forfeit our eternal soul? Now is the day of salvation and now is the acceptable time to receive personally the precious gift of Jesus Christ dying for our sins. Jesus Christ rose from the dead and is Savior and Lord. He will be your personal Lord and Savior, if you ask Him to.

Pastor Greg Brownell

United Brethren Church

Dayton