As we celebrate this time of year with family and friends, may we never forget the ultimate price Jesus paid on the Cross. Today I want to look at the 3 R's concerning the Old Rugged Cross and how it affects us.

The first R to look at is Reality.

In Romans 5:8 it states, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (NKJV). Where would we be if it wasn't for the supreme sacrifice of Jesus on the cross? While we will still sinners Christ died for us. We should be thankful for the reality of His love toward us.

The second R to focus on is Redemption.

In Romans 6:23 it reminds us, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NKJV). Jesus came to redeem us from sin and death. God promises us eternal life through our belief in Christ Jesus our Lord. We need to allow the work of this powerful redemption to be real in our daily lives. He came to truly redeem our lives and give us a future and a hope.

The third R to understand is Restoration.

In Romans 10:9 it declares, "That if we confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (NKJV). Jesus came to restore us and forgive us. Spiritual restoration starts when we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in our hearts God raised Him from the dead. All of us need a Savior and I am glad His name is Jesus. Jesus has a plan for our lives and it begins with being restored.                             

Today may we always be thankful for the 3 R's that happen because of Jesus and the Cross. Always try to remember Easter is all about our Risen Lord. Let's go celebrate today for what He did for us.