The 7 Sayings from the Cross

THE SEVEN SAYINGS OF JESUS FROM THE CROSS
Dying words are always important. Often we remember them above what a man says in his life. Jesus on the cross uttered 7 sayings- full of significance. He did not give a long sermon but 7 short sayings. It was very painful to breath, let alone speak. He paid a price to say each word. Each word is choice. These sayings must be important and contain key revelations.

7 is the number of spiritual PERFECTION.

FIRSTLY, the Sayings reveal his PERFECT character - LOVE.
When we are under pressure-what's on the inside comes out. It's like a refiner's fire. Heat causes impurities to come to surface which can then be skimmed away. Our imperfections are revealed and if we then confess our faults He can cleanse us. But in the horror and terror of the cross, under the physical pain, with the weight of our sin and the wrath of God and the attacks of satan upon him as well as the cursing, hatred, and mocking of men, Jesus showed no hint of sin. His enemies thought: Now he feels his pain, loss and failure-we'll see the real Jesus. But, He proved himself to be pure love. When squeezed - only love came out. His PERFECTION was revealed when you look at the 7 Sayings. The real test of character in when it is under pressure. So, by the way he died Jesus gave ultimate proof convincing even the hardened Centurion and soldiers.

SECONDLY, the 7 Sayings reveal God's PERFECT provision through the Cross for all 7 basic needs of man. They reveal the 7-fold perfect salvation flowing from Jesus on the cross. The 7 words spoken from the cross represent his salvation released to every area of our life, by his blood.
Beholding Jesus die for us, we see every blessing paid for and given to us, and we can believe and receive them.

THE SEVEN SAYINGS
1. Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.
2. Assuredly, I say to you, today, you will be with Me in Paradise.
3. Woman, behold your son...behold your mother
4. My God, my God why have you forsaken me?
5. I thirst
6. It is finished
7. Into your hands I commit my spirit

They reveal the perfection of (1) HIS PERSON (2) His WORK

HIS PERSON
1. Love for his enemies who nailed him to the cross (us)
2. Special love for those who turn to him in faith.
3. Love for his family
4. Love for God in making the ultimate sacrifice
5. Love for us in bearing the curse of sin
6. Perserverence of love
7. Total loving trust to God

HIS WORK-salvation released from the cross
1. Forgiveness -salvation available to all
2. Eternal life with God (received by believer)
3. Spiritual family, healing of broken-heart (received by the believer)
4. Propitiation (a God-ward word) - suffering punishment for sin so that God can manifest His mercy
5. Curse to blessing - suffering the curse of sin so that we can receive the blessing.
6. Redemption accomplished -the price paid in full.
7. Eternal Security for the believer

THE FIRST SAYING:
"Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34)

Here we see his LOVE for his enemies (the Romans and all the others crucifying him) This innocent man has just been put through 6 illegal trials, beaten, mocked, given a crown of thorns, had to carry his cross through jeering crowds of people who'd cried for his death in place of a murderer.
Finally his hands and feet were nailed to a cross and he was lifted up in great agony by cruel soldiers. In all this suffering he didn't lose faith in his Father God. In his agony would he cry for pity? Or condemn and curse his persecutors? No, in his love for those he came to die for, he forgot himself and prayed those who were hurting him.

He had taught: Love your enemies, bless..., do good... Pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you. (Matt 5:44).
Now he put it into practice in the most extreme case and fulfilled the prophecy: he will make intercession for the transgressors (Isa 53:12)

What LOVE to: (1) Forgive and (2) ask God to forgive those who had turned against him in hatred and caused him such pain! This was unconditional forgiveness. What a perfect example of how to treat those who wrong us.

The hands that once healed were nailed to the cross.
The feet that took him from place to place to minister to people's needs were also bound. But his faith and prayers were not bound.
He prayed that the Roman soldiers - his executioners would be saved.

Was his prayer answered? YES. They ALL became believers!
When the centurion and those with him guarding Jesus,
saw the earthquake and the things that happened (including how he died), they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. (Matt 27:54, Mark 15:39, Luke 23:47).

At least 30 soldiers saved! Then soon after 3000, & then 2000 men were saved who were responsible for his death. (Acts 2:23,36,41; 3:13-17,4:4) We see the same principle with Stephen's prayer for Paul (Acts 7:58-60; 9:4,5).

This shows us never to regard anyone as beyond the reach of prayer.
Our prayers keep on working, even after death! What if our movements are restricted, or we are stuck somewhere with no opportunities?

Jesus shows us we're never useless. Our prayers are powerful!
Often the elderly can't be so active, but they can accomplish more in retirement through prayer, than in the rest of their life!

Jesus prayed for others even in his last hours. Even pinned to the cross Jesus could achieve great things through prayer.

The first SALVATION blessing: FORGIVENESS.

Jesus spoke this word to show that FORGIVENESS flows from the cross, meeting man's first need. As he hung there, his blood pouring from his wounds, he prayed that forgiveness would flow out to all who would receive.
The basis for that forgiveness was the very blood of the cross. The cross revealed the full horror of our sin-we all had a part in Christ's death, and so this prayer and blessing is for all of us. When man had done his worst, Jesus still extended forgiveness, showing that forgiveness is available for all sin and to all men.

THE SECOND SAYING: 'Truly, I say to you, today,
You will be with me in Paradise' (Luke 23:42,43)

The focus moves now to the 2 thieves who being crucified with him, reviled him. (Matt 27:44, Mark 15:32) fulfilling Isaiah 53:12: he was numbered with the transgressors in his death.

While one of them blasphemed him (Luke 23:39) - "the other rebuked him saying, 'Don't you fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? and indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong. Then he said to Jesus: 'Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom" (Luke 23:39-43). This prayer immediately brought forth from Jesus the promise of eternal life in God's Kingdom.

The 2 ROBBERS represent the whole world, divided into 2 groups -sheep (believers) and goats (unbelievers).

We see Jesus' LOVE for the whole world- especially those who believe in him. Jesus dying in the midst of 2 criminals is a picture of him coming among sinful humanity, who are under the penalty of death, identifying with us and suffering our death (the death of a sinner) bearing the punishment we deserved, even though he was innocent (sinless), in order to give us new life and an eternal future in His Kingdom. For the one who turned to him in repentant faith, received the promise of life.

In this vivid drama we see a picture of salvation and of mankind's 2 responses to Jesus.

Both had sinned and so were under the sentence of death, dying and deserving to die (Rom 3:23, 6:23). We've all robbed God, when we don't give him what is due (our love and loyalty) As our Boss He gave us resources to use for His purposes but we have spent and used them for another company.

Both reviled Christ-but he did not damn them - he only loved them.
Christ loves even those who hate him.

Both knew his claims.

Both saw his perfection.

Both were under the same conviction of the Spirit (People railing against others are under conviction trying to deflect attention away from themselves onto others' faults).

Both heard his offer of forgiveness.

Both had the witness of the written Word:
Jesus-king of Jews was written above his cross.

Both saw Jesus dying for their sins.
Like every person they had the choice to accept or reject Jesus.

One believed and received the promise of eternal life.
One rejected and died in his sins.
WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

The believing thief shows us true conversion:

(1) He realised Jesus was who he claimed - the sinless Son of God, who therefore was not dying for his own sins but for ours.

(2) He acknowledged his sin and that he deserved to die.

(3) He knew he was helpless to save himself.

(4) He humbly asked Jesus to save him.
His prayer was in faith, acknowledging JESUS as his LORD.
He believed that he was the Messiah who would overcome death and reign as King over all- when (not 'if') you come into your KINGDOM.
He prayed: 'Lord, remember me, let me be part of your eternal Kingdom.' He believed Jesus had the power to save, even him.

(5) Jesus heard and answered his prayer.
Jesus didn't responded to insults, but this contrite prayer got his attention and brought forth an immediate answer. Even in all the battles and pains he was fighting, Jesus answered this cry of faith, giving this new believer many assurances of a place in God's Kingdom and Eternal Life (cf. John 6:47):

(1) Truly,
(2) I say to you,
(3) today,
You WILL be with me in Paradise.

When you call on the name of the Lord in faith, He answers at once.
Jesus is still willing and able to save all who come to him (Romans 10:13).
You can have the same assurance of salvation from the lips of Jesus, as this man did. If God received this hardened criminal, He will receive you.

He is a wonderful picture of all who are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8,9).

The robber's hands were nailed to the cross so he could do no good works.
His feet were nailed so he could not walk in the paths of righteousness.
He did no good works beforehand, to deserve salvation.
He was doing no good works when he received salvation.
He was dying so couldn't do any good works after salvation to keep it.
He represents all who believe and turn to Christ in their helplessness and receive the Promise of Paradise.

The 2nd SALVATION blessing flowing from the Cross to those who believe, is ETERNAL LIFE in God's Kingdom with a restored relationship and fellowship with God. (John 3)

His NEED and request was:
(1) to be in God's Kingdom
and (2) to be personally remembered (known) by Jesus.

Jesus answered:
(1) by saying he would 'be in Paradise'
and also (2) by saying he would be 'with me'.

Eternal Life is knowing God, an eternal union and fellowship with God (John 17:3). The ultimate blessing is FELLOWSHIP=to be with Jesus (Phil 1:23, 2Cor 5:8, John 14:2,3, 1Thess 4:17). Jesus longs for our fellowship.

The purpose of our salvation is that we might have a joyful eternity in heaven in sweet fellowship with Jesus, our Bridegroom.

There's one death-bed conversion in the Bible so none need despair, but only one that none may presume.

THE THIRD SAYING:
John had seen Jesus being put on the cross. Then he went to get Mary and the other women. Mary and John went to stand close to Jesus.

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother (Mary)...
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple (John) standing by whom he loved, he said to his mother: Woman, behold your son.
Then he said to John: Behold your mother (John 19:25,26)

When Jesus saw them, his heart went out to them in love. Normally anyone being tortured would turn in on themselves but Jesus' love transcended his pain. In his pain he wasn't selfish and self-pitying but reached out to meet their needs. He was concerned that his precious mother would be cared for. She had given birth to him and cared for him and now he was leaving he wanted to make the best possible arrangements for her.

This saying reveals his LOVE for his family. Even under the pressure of being the Saviour of the world, he still had time for his family and their needs and hurts. Even in bearing the world's sin he had time to care for Mary, showing us that loving and providing for our family is important to God. Never get so spiritual that you stop caring for your family. Jesus gave us an example to never stop honouring our parents. He calls her woman (a term of respect) rather than Mother perhaps to discourage the later idolatry of Mary as 'Mother of God' (Mariology)

Mary had been told in prophecy at the birth of Christ that: A sword will pierce your heart (Luke 2:34,35). This indicated his early death and her suffering. At the cross, Mary was silently and bravely suffering with a broken-heart (Joseph had also died).

But Jesus knows our hurts and broken heart and provides healing. Mary was in danger of being forgotten as the gospel went forth, having done her bit. How terrible after sacrificing and giving much to be tossed aside when no longer needed. How often do children do this to parents or husbands to wives etc. Would Jesus leave Mary alone and unprovided for? No! He, knew what Mary suffered and provided what she needed to restore her life and give her a place of honour and protection. Jesus brought John (his best man) to Mary, to take care of her. He chose the disciple who was most like himself to take his place as Mary's son, for he knew John would care for and love Mary as his own mother. That Mary's well-being was of great importance to Jesus is shown in his choice of John. He provided Mary with a relationship that would comfort her in her loss and loneliness, aiding the healing and restoration of her soul.

By saying John, behold your mother Jesus was asking John to care for Mary as his own mother.

By saying: Mary, behold your son he was providing Mary with a relationship that would comfort her in her loss.

The Third SALVATION Blessing - HEALING OF THE HEART and SPIRITUAL FAMILY.

Jesus spoke these words from the cross to show that from the cross flows
healing for the broken heart, restoration and creation of good relationships (Divine connections) meeting the human need for friendship and family, the antidote for loneliness. Jesus brought 2 people together who had gathered around the Cross showing that from the cross flows peace, bringing together God's people as FAMILY.

If we draw close to the Cross, like Mary, He will bring us into close family relations with other believers. He will bring us together with others who are likeminded (who draw close to the cross) so that we can serve the Lord together-this applies especially to our marriage partners. John and Mary were not related, but in God's family they became mother and son. The spiritual family is even greater than the natural family.

By this Saying, Jesus revealed God's provision for a lonely and broken heart. He knew what Mary was going through - her pain and grief and made provision. What Jesus did for Mary he wants to do for all. He understands. He is sensitive to our needs. He knows our hurts and pains. He knows what you are going through and wants to care and provide for you also.

THE FOURTH SAYING
At midday something most dramatic and unusual took place.
Darkness fell over the land for 3 hours. This represented the terrifying judgement of God.

In this darkness Jesus cried out with a loud voice:
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46)
This is the 4th and Central Saying. It reveals the heart of his mission, the heart of his work on the cross. Christ is God but he is also man. Here he speaks from his humanity- My God (the Father), My God (The Holy-Spirit) He uses 'God' rather than 'Father' because he has lost that intimate fellowship. They'd turned their back on him.

The saying comes from Psalm 22- a detailed prophecy of the sufferings of a crucified man written long before crucifixion was even invented.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from helping me,
so far from the words of my screaming (roaring) (Ps 22:1)

In all the physical, emotional and mental torment of his betrayal by Judas, 6 illegal trials, false witnesses, mockings, cursings, spitting, sluggings, beatings, scourgings that Jesus had suffered at the hands of man he was silent (Isa 53:7). All his pain and agony had not caused him to cry out.
Then when he hung on the cross in extreme pain with his bones pulled apart, where every breath was a torture, with many around him mocking his humiliation - he still did not cry out in pain. No, not once-not until midday when the sun was overhead and suddenly darkness fell. Then in that darkness something happened that made Jesus scream.

What could be so much more terrible that made him scream? In a moment your sins, my sins and the sins of the whole world were put on him and God the Father and God the Holy-Spirit turned their backs on him. He had lived a perfect holy life, hating sin-but now the sin of the world was placed on him. Jesus took our place and bore our sins. He suffered the punishment that we deserved and which justice demanded. He died as a Sin-Offering and paid the penalty for our sin. The wrath and judgement of God that we deserved now fell upon him. (Isa 53:6). In the 3 hours of DARKNESS he suffered the equivalent of eternal hell. He had lived in the fellowship and Presence of God his whole life, even from eternity, but now for the first time he was in darkness, separated from God's presence and blessing (spiritual death)
Now he drank fully the cup of God's Wrath upon sin. (John 18:11)

This is the horror that caused him to scream the words:
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Ps 22:1)

Why did it seem like God turned His back on Jesus?
Because: Thou are HOLY (v3). Since God is holy He can have nothing to do with sin. At that moment: He who knew no sin was made SIN for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2Cor 5:21).
So now the full force of God's righteous and holy anger fell on Jesus.
We cannot imagine the horror he had to suffer.

What caused him to scream? It was the only thing that could -your sins, my sins, the sins of every person who has ever lived. It was anticipating this in Gethsemene that caused him to sweat blood and ask God to provide another way of bringing our salvation. But there was no other way. He had to drink the bitter cup to the last drop. I'm so glad he did it! If he didn't pay the penalty for our sin, we'd have to pay the price ourselves.

This is the ultimate revelation of his PERFECT LOVE for us (1John 4:10).

The 4th SALVATION blessing is PROPITIATION - the basis for every blessing. It is only because of Christ's atoning sacrifice that God can freely offer us forgiveness and grace, because he fully satisfied God's Justice. Our greatest need was for someone to take our place, bear the punishment for our sin and set us free from the Wrath of God upon us. The Saying shows that Jesus bore sin and God's wrath for us, so that now God is free to forgive and bring us back to Himself and pour out His grace, mercy and blessings upon us. Jesus spoke these words, showing that he was bearing our spiritual death and separation from God on the cross, in order that we can be re-united to God and receive His eternal and abundant life.

These words were spoken from the cross to God to reveal that flowing out from the cross GODWARD, was a propitiation, satisfying God's Justice and appeasing His anger upon sin.

This in turn freed Him to pour out His abundant mercy and life upon mankind. Thus this central saying reveals the central aspect of the work of the cross- which by satisfying God's Righteousness, provides the basis for every blessing of God.

Jesus bore the sin of the whole world so that forgiveness and salvation is available to all through Christ.

Now it's up to each individual to accept or reject God's offer of Mercy.

To the believer the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ is the basis for receiving all of God's grace, and results in a life of gratitude to God, lived to please and glorify Him.

To the unbeliever it is a warning - that if God did not spare his Son when your sin was upon him, then He will not spare you in the judgement if your sin is still upon you, as it surely will be, if you have rejected the forgiveness and salvation from sin provided through Christ's atoning sacrifice.

THE 5th SAYING.
One of the effects of crucifixion was dehydration, causing an agonising need for water. Out of this human need Jesus said: I THIRST (John 19:28).
Of all the Sayings only this one focuses on Jesus himself and his need.
His need was not just for physical water but for spiritual water - the water of life. Sin separates us from God's life. On the cross Jesus identified with us and bore our sin and was cut off from God and his life. This broken fellowship resulted in him experiencing spiritual drought. He became thirsty for the living water (God's life).

The 4th and 5th Sayings go together:
In the 4th we saw him bear God's punishment for our sin.
In the 5th Saying we see that in bearing our sin he also took the consequences of our sin (the CURSE, which includes poverty, sickness and spiritual death - Gal 3:13). We were made to have God's LIFE and BLESSING flowing through us. The effect of sin is that we dry up on the inside. If God's life isn't flowing, we feel dry and empty. This lack of blessing is to be under the curse (Deut 28).

We are thirsty for God (Psa 42:2). It is like having a hole inside that needs to be filled -so we try and fill it with all kinds of things (some good, some bad- drink, drugs, work, busyness, new-age, entertainment, relationships etc) We try and quench the thirst and fill that inner need. But none of these can truly satisfy - because it's a spiritual hole that only God can fill.' Only one thing will truly satisfy and that is God's Life.

Over all the wells of this world are written the words that Jesus said:
Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again (John 4:13)
Then he said: If any man thirst let him come to me and drink..
whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him
a well of water springing up into everlasting life (v14).

A Christian need never thirst, for an eternal supply of living water has been given to him!

The 5th SALVATION BLESSING flowing from the cross = ABUNDANT LIFE.

He said: I thirst to show he had entered into our condition of spiritual dryness and emptiness, curse and death in order that we might have life. He felt the effects of sin. He knows what it is like. Whatever need or emptiness we may feel, we can be sure that Jesus experienced it and worse on the cross. He was saying: I have identified with you in your sin and death so that you might have LIFE! I experienced emptiness so that you might be filled!

What he did was redemptive. It was for us! He experienced deadness and dryness that we may truly live. To give us LIFE he bore our sin and its effects-separation from LIFE. Jesus suffered thirst (lack) that we might have fullness of life. I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10) On the cross he became a curse for us that the blessing of the Spirit might come upon us through faith -a DIVINE EXCHANGE. (Gal 3:13,14) He was made thirsty so that our thirst may be satisfied with new life. Thus this Saying indicates that flowing from the work of the cross are RIVERS OF LIVING WATER (John 7:37)

If we believe we can come to Him and drink and be filled.
Jesus bore the sin and curse (thirst) of all so he can offer life to all.
Salvation is not just forgiveness. Forgiveness is the start-it opens the door legally to enable us to receive new life from God that fills, transforms our whole being and sets us free-a life of love, joy and peace. This life quenches our inner thirst and propels us forward with purpose and a desire to please Him. The BLESSING of God includes healing, wisdom in life and prosperity.

THE 6th SAYING
Shortly before his death Jesus said triumphantly with a loud voice: 'Tetelestai' = It is finished = The Price is Paid in full (John 19:30).
Then he bowed his head and yielded up his spirit. 'Tetelestai' was a word used in commerce. When full payment had been made for some goods or for a debt, and the transaction was completed, the word 'Tetelestai' was stamped on the document or receipt. It declared: The price is paid in full.

Man is under a great SIN-DEBT and under the POWER of SIN (we are slaves to sin) We needed a REDEEMER someone who can pay the price to set us free from sin and its claims on us. We were lost, we had fallen into the hands of sin and satan and Jesus came to pay the RANSOM PRICE to restore us to that we would belong the God and be in His Kingdom.

He said: Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a SLAVE of SIN... Therefore if THE SON sets you FREE you shall be FREE indeed. (John 8:31-36)

The Son of Man didn't come to be served but to serve and to give HIS LIFE as a RANSOM for many (Matt 20:28, Mark 10:45).

Redemption is COSTLY- the price Jesus paid was the highest possible.
You were not REDEEMED with corruptible things like silver or gold,
BUT with the PRECIOUS BLOOD of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1Peter 1:18-19).

Through his precious blood poured out for us in full Jesus paid the full price to redeem us from sin and the curse.

He paid the penalty for our sins and purchased a place in heaven for us. He paid for every blessing we will have for eternity. Our enormous debt of sin is paid in full. Someone had to pay the price. Knowing that we were unable to do it, Jesus stepped in and paid it for us with his death.

Thus, the 6th SALVATION Blessing flowing from the cross is REDEMPTION.

The cross was the focal point for his mission. Here he took on and dealt with the root problem of man. This saying was his declaration of success: I've done it, I've paid the price in full, it's finished, it's accomplished.
The cross looks like a defeat but it was a place of great victory.

A price must be paid for success in any work. There is a laying down, a self-denial before the reward, a death before a resurrection. Often people don't achieve great things because they are not prepared to pay the price, to sacrifice, to obey, to deny self. We want to coast and get the final result anyway. It doesn't work that way. Thank God Jesus completed his work and paid the full price for our salvation!

This Saying - which is the announcement of the finished work of Christ, is the cornerstone of our faith. After describing the cross in detail Psalm 22 ends with the prophecy that the message will be proclaimed to all people that: He has done it (v31). So, in fulfillment, this cry of victory from Jesus lips has been ringing down the ages.

When we hear it and realise what happened on the cross, faith arises in our hearts. Faith in Christ is not a leap in the dark, it's trusting in a certainty.
Faith is based on the finished work of Christ. It is resting in what he has accomplished. It is believing that the work is done,and the blessing procured. It's believing him when he says: It is finished: forgiveness, healing, every blessing is paid for. When we see that He has done it, we enter into rest from our own labours. We cease from our struggle to pay for or accomplish it ourselves and just receive freely what Jesus has done.
The price for our salvation is paid-now receive it. We can't add to what Jesus has done on the cross.

Before we tried to earn our place in heaven by being good, but there no peace or rest in a religion of self-effort. How can we know if we are good enough? In fact we fall well short of God's standards. Trusting ourselves and our own goodness is a sure way to fail. Faith is the opposite of self-dependance, by faith we enter into rest from self-righteousness.
Now when we put all our trust in Christ and what his completed work on the cross, we enter into assurance of sins forgiven and the possession of eternal life. It does not depend on us but on Jesus who paid the price. We can entrust ourselves and our eternal destiny to Jesus. Now we live a good life not to earn a place in heaven but out of gratitude to the One who has given us eternal life.

THE 7th SAYING.
The 6th day (and 6th saying) is God's work completed.
The 7th day (and 7th saying) is His entering into rest .
At the moment of death we see Jesus in full control of the situation.
He had enough breath in his lungs to utter a loud cry and say:
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit (Luke 23:46; Ps 31:5).

When he knew he had completed his work he just yielded up his spirit and died. He laid his own life down. (John 10:17,18). Jesus was a man with a mission from God. He had carried it out to the end. Having done all there was but one thing to do, which was to entrust himself and his cause to God. As the terror and uncertainty of death stared him in the face he committed himself to his Father.

He gave us an example, that shows us how to pray. When we have done everything we can in a situation and there is nothing more to do, and the way ahead seems uncertain then we should do what Jesus did. Knowing that God loves us and that He will see us through the time ahead we can pray: Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.

We can deposit, and entrust ourselves-our life, future, destiny into God's hands. Having done what we can, we can commit it all to Him and enter into rest from our works. We can trust and cast ourselves upon our Father who cares for us, utterly depending on Him to see us through. As we enter a difficult situation with many dangers and unknowns we can feel powerless. But if we trust ourselves to the All-Powerful One we can go forward in confident faith that He will bring us through, up and out. We will go over and not under. There will be victory through apparent defeat.

Jesus faced the greatest unknown, the hardest challenge of all - death
- with a confident faith and expectation that the loving God to whom he had entrusted himself, would see him through the darkness and bring him out into the light. (1Peter 4:19, 2Timothy 1:12).

His faith was not misplaced. On the 3rd day God raised him from the dead. He brought him out. He did not let him down. Neither will he let you down if you put yourself into His caring hands. He looks after what is deposited into His care.

Jesus shows how we should face death. For a believer it should be a confident expectation of entering God's Presence and finding oneself in the safety of the Father's hands, entering into rest from the storms of life. Into thy hands - signifies looking forward to closer fellowship with the Father.

The 7th SALVATION Blessing flowing from the Cross is Eternal Security and Rest in close Union and Fellowship with the Father.

Jesus was our Representative on the cross. We were 'in Christ' on the cross ('crucified with him') and so by these words he entrusted all believers into the Father's eternal hands -the eternally safe haven for our souls, from the winds and storms of life. As he rose and entered heaven he took us with him into the Father's hands. On the cross Jesus provided for our eternal security and fellowship in the Fathers Hands! No one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hands (John 10:29)